The great thing about having your own backyard flock of chickens is knowing how they are raised, what they are eating, and what goes into the eggs they produce. The average egg in the grocery store can be up to 8 weeks old by the time a consumer buys it. Farm fresh eggs are processed differently than eggs from the grocery store. Due the the higher quality of care and nutrition, farm fresh eggs often have superior flavor, texture and a thicker shell. To ensure quality, egg producers must learn the proper storage and handling techniques. 

Coop Management

The cleaner the coop is kept, the cleaner your eggs will be. Dirty, damp living quarters and nesting boxes will cause stained, dirty eggs and a higher risk of the eggs being contaminated with bacteria. Clean the coop and nesting boxes every week and add a deep later of clean bedding. There should be one nesting box for every four to five chickens to limit traffic and egg breakage. Most flocks are done laying eggs for the day by 10:00 a.m. By collecting eggs early and often, it is less likely the eggs will be dirty or broken.

Should You Wash Your Eggs?

Avoiding washing eggs until right before you use them will extend their shelf life and freshness. Eggs have a natural bloom, or outer protective layer, that keeps out air and harmful bacteria. Washing eggs will remove the protective bloom and leave the egg more vulnerable to bacteria and spoiling. If eggs must be washed due to mud or poop, they should be rinsed and rubbed with warm water only and stored in the refrigerator after. Never use cool water to wash eggs, it will cause the egg shell to contract and pull any dirt or bacteria from the surface into the pores of the shell. 

Room Temperature vs. Refrigeration

Unwashed, freshly-laid eggs may be stored safely at room temperature for several days or weeks. It's a great way to keep your pretty eggs on display! Keep in mind, one day at room temperature is equivalent to about a week in the refrigerator. If you aren't planning on eating your eggs for a while, it is best to refrigerate them. An egg will generally keep for about 3 weeks at room temperature, compared to months if they are chilled. 

Washed eggs must be stored in the refrigerator, including those from the grocery store or personal backyard flock. When in doubt, store eggs in the fridge. Keeping eggs at about 45° F will help to slow the growth of bacteria and preserve egg quality. Once eggs are chilled, they need to be kept in the refrigerator until consumption. 

Storing Eggs

Eggs should be stored in a carton with the pointy end down and the blunt end facing up. Keeping the air sac in the blunt end will preserve moisture and keep the yolk centered in the egg white. Date the carton so you can use the oldest eggs first and rotate the extra eggs. Since eggs have a porous shell, do not store them next to foods that have an odor: apples, fish, onions, potatoes, etc.

Float Test

Generally speaking, eggs left out at room temperature will stay fresh for 2 to 3 weeks. Unwashed eggs kept in the refrigerator can stay fresh up to 2 to 3 months. When in doubt if eggs are still fresh, perform the float test! Fill a glass or bowl with cool water, and gently place the egg inside. The freshest eggs will lay at the bottom of the glass. If they are a couple weeks old, they will "stand up" slightly on the bottom. The higher the egg floats, the older it is. Eggs that float completely to the top are considered bad to eat.

Sources: PennState Extension, Fresh Eggs Daily, Homestead and Chill