newbie question

[bailey'smama]

I've had my chickens for about 6 months, and finally! have some eggs. Here's my question: Do I have to candle eggs prior to eating or is that just if I'm attempting to incubate? Also, I've had 2 eggs laid in the coop about a week ago, but my chickens free-range during the day. Does this mean I need to have an easter egg hunt every day in my yard to find more or will they always lay in the coop?

Thanks!!!

 

[Tdub4chiks]

Candling is for hatching. If you want to find out if an egg is edible, there is a float test you can do. I'm not sure how that goes, but just do a seach and you can find out how that works.

Chickens will lay anywhere they want. Most will lay in the same spot everyday. Someone on here found a nest under a bush with 14 eggs in it. lol

 

[Beckyinma]

I would certainly go on an easter egg hung regularly. If not every day, then at least once every couple of days, unless the weather is really warm, then I would go every day.

Eventually you'll find all their little hidey holes and know when to look.

If the eggs were laid within a day or two, I would say you don't need to candle if they're going to the fridge. But I'm not an expert on incubating since I have all girls. If you don't have a roo, you don't need to worry about candling at all.