We have eggs!!!

[Lyndseyshort]

So one of my chickens, Shirley, laid her first egg. Not sure what to do now. So I need to wash them with anything special, do I put them in the fridge, how long are they good for?

Thanks!
Lyndsey

 

[DobieLover]

So one of my chickens, Shirley, laid her first egg. Not sure what to do now. So I need to wash them with anything special, do I put them in the fridge, how long are they good for?

Thanks!
Lyndsey

Well, first, you need to record this momentous event with a picture! Congratulations.

I typically rinse fresh eggs in cool water to remove any debris then leave them in my sink rack to dry. Once dry, they can be placed in a carton or egg caddy and left at room temperature on your kitchen counter for up to 3 weeks or you can refrigerate them.
I eat and sell eggs as fast as my girls pump them out so everything here is gone within a few days of being laid.

 

[aart]

If you wet them, wash thoroughly, then refrigerate.


I don't wash eggs unless they are very dirty, then will refrigerate or use immediately because thorough washing will remove all the protective bloom(cuticle).

Eggs should be washed in 'water warmer than the egg'.
Simple physics, using colder water will cause the egg contents to contract, causing any 'germs' on exterior surface of egg shell to be pulled into the interior of egg thru the shell pores. Using warmer water will do the opposite.

I don't use any soap or other cleaning/sanitizing agent, just rotate in my hands to 'scrub' all surfaces area of egg shell. Then I air and towel dry before placing in the fridge.

If you are washing eggs for sale to the general public, other requirements may apply, so check your state regulations.

Oh, and...Congrats on your first eggs! @Lyndseyshort