What to do, we got our first egg!?!?

[new2chicks3]

We are so excited that we got our first egg today!! It was such a surprise going out there and finding one.

I need to know what to do next though... We found the egg out in the middle of their run, should I put it in the nesting box so they know where to leave them? I have a two golf balls in there now for them to get the hint, is that enough or should I leave the real one?

Also whats the rules on fresh eggs... Leave them out on the counter, don't wash them, if you leave them out they last longer, then you can put them in the refrigerator and they last so long!?!?!? I need the down low please.

TIA

 

[N F C]

Congratulations on that first egg!

Sometimes when they first begin laying, it sort of just happens wherever they happen to be at the time, sort of like they don't realize what's happening. The golf balls you have in the nesting box will help them figure it out. You won't need to put that 1st egg in there.

Here's a helpful article from the Learning Center about cleaning and storing eggs, see if that doesn't answer your questions.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/cleaning-and-storing-fresh-eggs

Again, congrats!

 

[junebuggena]

The golf balls should be enough to entice them to lay in the boxes, but it will take a few weeks for them to figure things out. Do not wash eggs, it will remove the bloom and leave eggs vulnerable to bacteria. You can leave them out on the counter for about two weeks or so, or you can keep them in the refrigerator for about 2 months. If you do keep them refrigerated, you can not then leave them out. Condensation from the eggs coming to room temp will remove the bloom. Only wash if you need to, and then use those eggs right away.

 

[new2chicks3]

THANK YOU!!

 

[tina love]

Got my first one yesterday! Was like finding a hundred dollar bill!

 

[N F C]

@tina love ! It is a treasure for sure! One of life's little miracles.

 

[hippiestink]

If'n ya do wash the eggs (like my Granma would), rub some mineral oil on the outside. Functions the same way as the bloom would, seals the pores, lengthens their lifespan. I don't do this personally, as I don't sell eggs and Europe doesn't have some of the more asinine laws the US does about food safety (ie stuff to avoid lawsuits).