Once a chicken lays eggs, they need to be harvested and stored in a cool place to encourage life. Nevertheless, you may be wondering how chicken eggs are harvested and stored. This is the right place because it has informative details about chicken egg harvesting. Stay tuned!

Here is a guide to how chicken eggs are harvested:

1. Once the chicken lays its egg, it will leave the nest while squeaking. This informs you that the egg is already laid.

2. Wash your hands thoroughly before collecting the egg since hands are used to harvest chicken eggs.

3. You can also wear clean gloves to avoid staining or contaminating the eggs with microbes that cause infection.

4. Gently collect the eggs and put them in a basket or carton box where they will not break.

5. Avoid stocking more than five eggs in a basket, as they can easily break.

6. After the harvest, check for egg fertility through the candling process to ensure the eggs are fit for incubation.

7. Store the harvested eggs in a cool, dry place far from the children’s reach to avoid egg breakage or interference.

However, some chickens do not leave their nest after laying eggs, which can sometimes make you use a different technique to harvest. In such cases,

1. Offer to feed it after it has laid the egg to lure it into getting out of the nest.

2. You can slowly slide your hand under its feathers to pick up the eggs. However, this can be scary, as your chicken will peck you and loudly squawk. Do not be afraid when doing this, as you may break the eggs.

Why Should I Wash My Hands When Harvesting Eggs?

Washing your hands with soap and clean water helps to remove bacteria that may spread to eggs and chickens, causing infection. This makes eggs safe for humans and chickens, free from microbes. 

Additionally, washing your hands helps prevent staining the eggs; hence, eggs will maintain open pores for proper air circulation.

When Should I Harvest My Chicken Eggs?

It is best to harvest your chicken eggs at noon, as many chickens have already laid their eggs. Also, eggs will be in good condition at noon, as chickens will not make them dirty or break them while in their nests. Use the clean basket to collect the eggs.

When harvesting eggs, ensure you maintain a high level of hygiene to prevent the spreading of pathogens that will cause infections in your chickens.

Where Should I Store My Chicken Eggs After Harvesting?

To prevent your chicken eggs from spoiling, store them in a refrigerator to keep them cool and moist.

Refrigeration prevents bacteria from thriving well due to the excessive cold, which makes them less active.

Ensure children do not touch the eggs, as they can break or stain, causing the death of the egg.

Do You Have to Collect Chicken Eggs Daily?

Yes, it is essential to collect eggs daily. Ensure all the laying chickens are done with the process before you start composing. This is the best way to get quality eggs with minimum faultiness.

Besides, daily egg collection will ensure eggs are stored in a conducive place to facilitate egg life.

What Happens If You Don’t Collect Chicken Eggs?

If you don’t collect chicken eggs, you may find the following six outcomes:

1. Cracked Eggs

If the eggs overstay in a chicken’s nest, they may break due to the irregular chicken movement when laying eggs daily. Also, the entanglement of freshly laid eggs and the ones on the nest can lead to cracking, paving the way for bacteria to end up infected or dead.

2. Chickens Go Broody within a Short While

When chickens see their eggs in the nest, they tend to go broody to sit on the eggs. This will make them lay a minimal number of eggs due to their urge to hutch and have chicks. Therefore, if you want chicken eggs for consumption, avoid leaving eggs in the nest for a long time.

3. Chickens Poop on the Eggs

Eggs that overstay in the chicken’s nest will likely get pooped on. This makes their shells dirty and can block their air pores; therefore, there will be no free air circulation. This leads to the spoilage of the eggs.

4. Unsafe for Consumption

Eggs that are not immediately collected can be very unsafe for consumption. Usually, these eggs may have bacteria, or the embryo may start developing and hence cannot be consumed. Collecting eggs on the same day they were harvested and storing them in a cool place for preservation is essential.

5. Chickens Will Eat Their Eggs

Chickens can sometimes crack their eggs open and eat their contents. This happens when many chickens lay eggs and feel deprived of certain essential minerals and nutrients, like calcium and vitamins. Therefore, this can be a significant problem in your chickens’ cage when you fail to collect eggs on time.

6. Predators Risks

Once eggs are left in the chicken’s nest, the chances of being eaten up by predators increase. Remember, predators have a strong sense of smell and sight and can know where eggs are for consumption. Predators lead to losses; therefore, to avoid such happenings

How Often Do Chickens Lay Eggs?

Chickens are designed to lay one egg a day but can lay up to 30 eggs in a particular breeding season to make a clutch where they will sit on them or incubate.

For laying chickens, provide them with feed rich in calcium and vitamins to facilitate strong egg production without depriving them of any nutrients.

Are Backyard Chicken Eggs Safe to Eat?

Yes, backyard chicken eggs are safe to eat. However, the eggs are only safe for consumption if your chickens are healthy and medication-free.

A clean coop minimizes the risks of spreading diseases to the eggs, making them even safer. Avoid eating cracked backyard chicken eggs, as they can contain deadly bacteria that may cause health risks.

What Is Collection of Eggs Called?

The collection of eggs is called a clutch. This is the number of eggs in a particular breeding season. Once a clutch is complete, the chicken will want to sit on them to provide warmth for embryo formation, leading to hatching in 21 days.

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