unfertilized chicken eggs (how long can they be kept before they spoil: unrefrigerated eggs)

[Chris413]

Some time in the last two days, one of my chickens laid an egg for the first time. What is the period of time that I can safely eat that egg? (unrefrigerated eggs)

 

[bobbieschicks]

Some time in the last two days, one of my chickens laid an egg for the first time. What is the period of time that I can safely eat that egg? (unrefrigerated eggs)

If you are talking about unwashed eggs, they can last quite awhile unrefrigerated. We leave ours on the kitchen countertop in egg cartons and only wash when we are ready to eat. I've read that keeping them a month is not uncommon. You can do a float test to see if they are still good to eat. A couple of days will certainly not hurt them or you so enjoy your new egg and layer!

 

[DianaMallory]

Just think back to the times before refrigeration! If you look at old pics there are bowls of eggs sitting on the kitchen counters. I read that you can leave them at room temp unwashed for 3 weeks. But I don't think I would! But like Bobbie said do the float test if you don't trust it. Enjoy! and did you take a pic?

 

[Choco Maran]

Eggs unwashed can be kept on the kitchen counter for up to 3 months. Longer in the refrigerator. There is an article here on BYC that talks about it.

An egg that is not subjected to some form of preservation, whether refrigeration or one of room-temperature methods below, can last fresher longer than you may think. One of the important determinants of longevity is whether the egg has been washed or not. Eggs are coated with a natural “Bloom” which protects them against air and bacteria. In nature, this is to allow the eggs to develop into chicks successfully. Washing the egg strips it of its natural bloom and leaves it vulnerable to to the elements. The Mother Earth News study found the homestead eggs that retained their natural bloom stayed fresh for more than three months on average without refrigeration although the quality and texture began to decline after about two months. Commercial eggs that had been washed lasted a far shorter time.