For days I've been wondering if the hens read the post where I bragged about their production.
Since that day, their production declined to the point where today there were NO eggs in the nests. Tonight, Julia and I searched all the usual hiding places and found nothing.
We got to work putting down bedding and getting the stalls ready for the goats tonight, when I turned around and LOUDLY exclaimed, "OMG!". I scared the heck out of poor Julia!
To the right is a stall door that is propped open with a cinder block, and to the left is a side wall.
In between the two were...
TWENTY THREE EGGS!
And you know what is going to happen to those eggs?
They all have to be thrown out!
Actually, I likely will toss them in the compost pile a couple at a time and let the hens eat them. But no human consumption of these eggs.
So now we have to look back here for eggs while I try to make the hens move back to their nests. I'll have to stuff something in here to make their lives uncomfortable! Suggestions my chicken experts?
How long is an egg good for once it's been laid?
ReplyDeleteGood question Linda.
ReplyDeleteIts actually a long time. They say six months - with proper handling.
Problem is, the weather has been awfully hot, these have been on the ground, probably with a little manure, and I just don't like the idea of not knowing they are fresh. Its just not worth taking a chance.
We usually gather once or twice a day, clean the eggs and refrigerate them.
Here is a helpful link:
http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_is_the_shelf_life_of_eggs#ixzz1hnf3sXj9
I wouldn't eat those eggs either, just not worth the chance. Perhaps you could place chipped bricks to get the point across. (Sorry 'bout the punny.)
ReplyDelete