When it comes to raising backyard chickens, one of the most rewarding moments is collecting fresh eggs. A question I get asked a lot is, “How often should I collect eggs?” This leads to another common question, "How long can chicken eggs stay in the coop before collecting them safely?"
Collecting eggs is always fun, but let’s be real—there are days when life gets in the way and I can’t make it out to the coop. So, how long can eggs stay in the coop and still be safe to eat?
When Do Chickens Lay Eggs?
While it’s often said that chickens lay their eggs early in the morning, mine seem to be on their own schedule! Haha! Some of my hens lay early, while others like to lay later in the day, which keeps collecting eggs an adventure. Most hens will produce five to seven eggs per week, depending on their breed and age. Regular egg collection is important to prevent problems like spoilage, egg-eating among the flock and attracting pests.
How Long Can Eggs Stay in the Coop?
In general, it’s recommended to collect eggs from your coop at least once a day. However, if you can’t collect them daily, eggs can still be safe for a limited time if kept under the right conditions. Freshly laid eggs can typically stay in the coop for about 7 to 10 days as long as they’re kept dry and at a stable temperature. I’ve done this many times and the eggs have been just fine. The main challenge is limiting egg-eating behaviors among the flock, so daily collection is ideal.
How Weather Affects Egg Freshness
Weather plays a big role in the freshness of eggs! High humidity can shorten their shelf life and lead to faster spoilage, so keeping your coop well-ventilated and dry is essential. The ideal temperature range for storing eggs is between 45°F and 65°F. If the temperature inside the coop gets too high, the eggs may spoil faster.
Unwashed vs. Washed Eggs: Which Lasts Longer?
Did you know that unwashed eggs can stay fresh longer than washed ones? I like to collect our eggs and, if they’re clean, I leave them unwashed on the counter where they stay good for weeks. If you’re not sure about the freshness of an egg, there’s an easy way to check—just do the float test. Place the egg in water: if it sinks, it’s fresh; if it stands upright or floats, it’s time to toss it.
Keeping Your Coop Clean for Quality Eggs
Maintaining a clean coop and nesting boxes is essential for reducing the risk of bacteria and pests that can impact egg quality. To help keep things fresh, I rely on Coop Recuperate, which reduces moisture and extends the life of my bedding. I also use the deep litter method to keep the coop dry, discourage pests and improve overall flock health.
While keeping a clean coop is important for egg quality, ensuring your chickens get the right vitamins and nutrients is just as essential. I use Chicken E-lixir, a daily supplement that provides essential vitamins, organic oregano essential oil, calcium and electrolytes to support my chickens’ health. This boost helps them produce strong, healthy eggs, and since adding Chicken E-lixir to my routine, my flock has never been healthier!
Final Thoughts on Collecting Eggs
Collecting eggs daily is the best way to maintain their quality and safety. But if you miss a day here or there, don’t stress—just give your eggs a quick float test to make sure they’re still good.
Until next time,
–The Wing Lady
Chicken E-lixir - Daily Vitamin for Chickens Chicken E-lixir is added to drinking water as a daily vitamin for keeping chickens healthy by promoting digestive health. For everyday use, it contains a unique blend of organic oregano essential oil, prebiotics, calcium, vitamins D & E and electrolytes.
Coop Recuperate - Freshen Up Your Chicken Coop Coop Recuperate is a safe and natural way to care for your coop. This coop refresher contains organic eucalyptus and lemongrass essential oil, along with diatomaceous earth to reduce odor and moisture and help improve the quality of your compost.