We found a hidden "clutch" in a bush......are they safe to eat?

[mothersin2ition]

Have you tried the golf ball / dummy egg in the nest boxes

Yes, we've had dummy eggs in their nests since they started laying. And up till last week, we were getting about 7 eggs per day in there. But over the last week or so, we were getting less and less, and yesterday when we found the hidden bunch, we had only gotten 2 from the nest boxes that whole day.
I think we may end up doing as pp suggested, keeping them in the coop/run till after noon.​

 

[Chickenaddict]

My dutch hen always has a different hiding spot when she lays an egg. Todays spot was in the open bag of pine shavings LOL. Here is a pic of her last hiding spot in one of many gardens around the house.

 

[RockyToggRanch]

It's like Easter every day!

 

[The Squawk Box Fresh Eggs]

Besides the water test (like Matt A NC said), theres one other way...
if the egg is well over 5 days old if its left outside (not in fridge) pick it up and SHAKE it, if it has a "watery" rattle, its old...too old to eat and prolly full of bacteria in it.
so toss it.

 

[Matt A NC]

Quote:
Good idea, but a really old egg can explode.

This is about the worst smell you will experience.