One of my 6 hens left me my first egg

[Cami0488]

I went looking into my nesting box today and found my first egg! It's a little egg, as my hens were born around July 4th or so. I don't know which hen layed it but I'm assuming it's my fat girl. I have 6 girls and a roo, so I'm assuming he'll also be fertilizing all the eggs I find (I don't mind).

I'm so excited, these are my first hens I've ever had and they have now come of age. I'm totally new to the whole egg laying process. Question though, do I wash the egg off now, then leave it in my basket in the house, or wash it right before cracking it to eat it? Also, the egg seems kind of small, is that because my hens are still young (only 6 months old).

 

[Welshies]

Yes, the small egg is because your hens are still young. You may also get some double yolkers as their bodies figure out how to produce eggs. Wash it with warm water and put it in the fridge for later.

 

[WVduckchick]

Congratulations.
First eggs are such fun!!

Handling depends on how long you plan to keep them and what you plan to do with them. I leave mine on my counter, unwashed, until I'm ready to use them. (I also hatch and sell hatching eggs so unwashed and unrefrigerated is preferred for hatching). But it's perfectly fine to wash and refrigerate also. They will last longer in the fridge. Once they've been washed, they should definitely be refrigerated.

Edit to add, yes they will get bigger as the pullet gets into her laying cycle..

 

[Hamiam]

I don't wash my eggs unless they have poop or mud on them. Unwashed I leave in a basket on the counter, washed eggs must be refrigerated. Congratulations on your first egg!

 

[Stayc]

Congrats on your first egg!!

 

[Ursuline Chick]

Congrats, the fun is just beginning. Welcome and enjoy, can't wait to hear how you like your homegrown eggs, compared to the store bought!!

 

[jeria]

Congrats!! My Christmas Eve present was a tiny blue egg--my first. Was so excited!! Since then 5 more one pink one so another hen is laying. 3 of them were frozen and cracked. We have had temps below 10 degrees for the past week.

 

[Cami0488]

What a warm set of replies. Thank you for the information. I was debating on taking a soft napkin and gently wiping off the eggs, but I guess that still effects the integrity of the shell. I'm glad to know I can wash them and then refrigerate them. I've heard different things, from never wash until you're right about to eat, to not refrigerating at all. I'm glad to hear the eggs aren't THAT fragile, and that good ole refrigeration does the trick for washed eggs.

 

[getaclue]

Cami, congratulations on your first egg . First eggs are so exciting. Don't worry, the size will increase over time.

You don't have to worry much about dirty eggs. Even dirty, they will store in an egg basket on your counter for 21 days without problem. Just rinse the dirty ones real well before using. Don't submerge eggs by dunking them in water, simply rinse them. If you chose to rinse them right away, they will store just fine in the refrigerator. If they're extra dirty, I rinse, then mist a little vinegar water on them, then rinse again, just prior to use. The vinegar helps clean them real good, and helps disinfect the shell.