storing fresh eggs

[New chicken family]

I was told not to wash them - just brush off the dirt.
Then I was told not to refridgerate them right away.
But I do want to refridgerate if they are fertilized - right?

By the way we are proud-egg-parents!!!!
We finally got eggs 5 in 3 days!!!!
We are thrilled!

 

[Davaroo]

Fertilized eggs go into a dormant state at around 50 degrees, which is considered the optimal storage temperature for fertile hatching eggs.

If you inted to hatch them don't refrigerate them. There are always stories of someone who hatched refrigerated eggs, but I wouldnt risk that.

If you intend to eat them then get them in the icebox right away.

As for dirt, gently brush/wipe it off and dont worry about it. There is a natural covering on the egg called the "bloom" that helps to protect it... if you wash or scrub it off, then it cant do its job.

If there is poop on the egg, wash just that off, gently, while it is still soft.