What do I do with these eggs

[carlyann1001]

Alright, I’ve never had chickens or ducks so I’m a newbie (be gentle)
My rescue pekin just laid her third egg and I have no idea what to do with it
It isn’t fertilized (no drakes)
Do I wash them off? If so, how?
Do I refrigerate them? Leave them on the counter?
So far, I have dated them and left them on the counter.

 

[Teneniel]

An egg skelter is a fun way to do it! If they’re unwashed you can leave them at room temp for a while.

 

[AltonaAcres]

I wouldn't wash them unless they are soiled with poop. You can refrigerate them but you don't have to.

 

[JacinLarkwell]

Are they to be consumed? I use a wash cloth and wipe them off before putting them in an egg carton and refrigerate them. Not everyone agrees with that though, but other people than myself eat these eggs and I know they wouldn't like to have stains on their eggs.

 

[Muscovy Wunda]

You can leave them on the counter or put them in the fridge. No need to wash them, doing so can take the protective bloom off the shell and let bacteria get inside. If they are abit dirty just lightly brush them off and if you really want to (just for the clean feel) you can give them a good rinse just before you crack them open to eat. Duck eggs are the best enjoy them!

 

[DuckyDonna]

Are they to be consumed? I use a wash cloth and wipe them off before putting them in an egg carton and refrigerate them. Not everyone agrees with that though, but other people than myself eat these eggs and I know they wouldn't like to have stains on their eggs.

I agree with you! I grew up on a chicken farm that had no less than 3000 chickens at any one time. I remember sitting in front of egg baskets with my gramma holding a dull knife and a piece of washcloth for cleaning the eggs that needed it just with those 2 things. Then we candled them. Then that machine sized and separated them. We put them in cartons and sold them to the "egg people".

 

[LizzzyJo]

I concur with the no-wash statements. If they are relatively clean just leave them alone on the counter for a few weeks then if they’re still there put them in the fridge. Don’t wash until right before you crack them to eat them.

I am wondering if the marker would have wiped off the bloom? I would put these particular three in the fridge just in case the marker wiped off the bloom- allowing for bacteria to enter the pores.

 

[Yukonn15]

I have ducks and chickens, the duck eggs seem to always mud or something on them They do love water and mud. So I do wash the ones that are going in the skelter (swivel thing that holds eggs) So I apply the float or sink egg method. Get a bowl of water put the egg in it and if it floats its funky (no good) if it sinks its super!

 

[DukesDucks]

What a cute duck. Good on you for taking her in.
You've received lots of good advice. I don't wash my eggs until I am going to sell them or use them. I leave them on the counter but do tell my buyers that they need to be refrigerated.
Eating duck eggs seems to be either love-em or hate-em. They do work very well for baking.
The only advice I didn't see here was to always crack any egg you want to use into a bowl before adding it to a recipe or fry pan. Don't want to ruin your breakfast or cake if by chance it is off.