Cracked eggs safe to eat?

[Agathe]

My hens have just started laying and have not yet figured out to use the nesting boxes (I have added golfballs so they'll hopefully get the point). However today two of the hens had laid eggs on top of a hard surface that had no bedding on it. I have now made changes to the structure so I can add bedding and avoid cracked eggs in the future if they use that spot again. But the question is, can I use the eggs? I know you're not supposed to use cracked eggs from the store, but does that include day fresh eggs from one's own coop?

 

[Chicalina]

it depends whether the crack permeated the membrane or just the shell. I use cracked eggs quickly so there is no time for bacteria to get in and multiply. Eat them today and they should be fine.

 

[WIchickMama]

I do not eat any cracked eggs just bc the risk of bacteria is significant especially if the membrane too is cracked. I just cook them up and feed back to the chickens or our dog gets a treat.

My friend on the other hand will est a cracked egg from her chickens IF the egg isn't super dirty AND the membrane wasnt compromised.

 

[Agathe]

it depends whether the crack permeated the membrane or just the shell. I use cracked eggs quickly so there is no time for bacteria to get in and multiply. Eat them today and they should be fine.

Thanks so much! The cracks don't permeate the membrane as far as I can tell and the eggs were still warm when I found them. I'll crack them into a cup until I need them.

 

[Chicalina]

If the membrane is intact there is no need to crack them now unless you are throwing them straight into the frying pan! Just eat them first before any older eggs you have, ideally asap, they'll be fine.

 

[Chicalina]

I'd also add, that when you crack them you can very easily see if they've gone bad as they will have a bloom on the yolk, like little white spots, or the yolk will be really runny and off colour, and the white might be a little greenish.

I check any eggs I cook this way (unless I'm boiling them) and just chuck any that don't look right. You won't eat a bad egg by accident.

 

[Agathe]

I'd also add, that when you crack them you can very easily see if they've gone bad as they will have a bloom on the yolk, like little white spots, or the yolk will be really runny and off colour, and the white might be a little greenish.

I check any eggs I cook this way (unless I'm boiling them) and just chuck any that don't look right. You won't eat a bad egg by accident.

Thank you! They both looked fine inside. I'll figure a way to use them. The eggs are still tiny as they've just started laying.