Watery Whites?

[Toast]

I noticed that since my hens are foraging more, my yolks are deeper orange, however, the whites are super runny now like water almost. Why is that? I do't think it's necessary related to the hens being on grass but that's the only change as of late.

Are the eggs safe to eat?

 

[Kelly G]

My 5 Barred Rock Pullets "free range" in a 2,500 square foot enclosure. They have been laying since just after Christmas, and lay eggs with a very orange yolk (much more than store bought eggs) and they tend to have "runnier" whites.

In my (small) experience, this is normal - and all our eggs are delicious! We have not wasted one egg since they started laying - they're too good to let go to waste.

Others with more experience will weigh-in here, but I think what your describing sounds normal.

 

[gritsar]

I don't think it's due to them free ranging. My chickens free range all day and my egg whites (and yolks) are so thick I have to scrap them off the sides of the bowl.
Here's some info. on watery whites:

http://www.thepoultrysite.com/publications/1/egg-quality-handbook/30/watery-whites

 

[WoodlandWoman]

The only time I have a problem with watery whites is in the middle of winter, if eggs froze or almost froze. It's not a problem for me, otherwise. We free range from spring to fall.

For me, eggs from the store have always been the ones with watery whites. I always thought it was because store eggs are so old by the time you buy them. That's one of the reasons I like fresh.

 

[Kelly G]

I have to respond...we only get 3-4 eggs a day (occasionally 5). In a family of four...we eat them all, daily. They are never stale. They are eaten within 24 hourse of laying....and are never older than 4 hours old when collected.

 

[americana-chick]

i let mine free range and there whites and yolk are very thick that i can barely get them out of the egg sometimes!
i think they should still be ok to eat.
thanks!
~bri