Common Egg Questions Answered

Fresh eggs from your own backyard flock are one of the great joys of keeping chickens — but they also come with a lot of questions, especially if you're new to it. How long do they last? Do you need to wash them? Why is this one double-yolked? We've rounded up the most common egg questions we hear and answered them all in one place.

The Basics

How long do fresh eggs last?

Unwashed eggs with the bloom (cuticle) intact can sit at room temperature for up to 2–3 weeks. Once washed, they must be refrigerated and will keep for 4–5 weeks. Refrigerated unwashed eggs last 3 months or more.

Do I need to wash my eggs?

Not immediately. The bloom is a natural protective coating that seals the shell and keeps bacteria out. Wash eggs just before use, not before storage. If you do wash them, refrigerate right away.

Do I need a rooster for my hens to lay eggs?

No. Hens lay eggs regardless of whether a rooster is present. You only need a rooster if you want fertilized eggs for hatching.

Are fertilized eggs safe to eat?

Yes — a fertilized egg is nutritionally identical to an unfertilized one and looks the same inside, as long as it hasn't been incubated.

Egg Appearance

Why are my eggs different colors?

Shell color is determined by breed, not diet or nutrition. Leghorns lay white eggs, Rhode Island Reds lay brown, Ameraucanas lay blue, and Olive Eggers lay green. Shell color has no effect on flavor or nutrition.

Why do some eggs have speckles or spots?

Speckles are caused by excess calcium deposits or pigment irregularities during shell formation. Totally normal and harmless.

What causes a double yolk?

Double yolks happen when a hen releases two yolks in quick succession before the shell forms around them. More common in young hens whose laying cycle is still regulating, and in certain heavy breeds. A fun find, not a problem.

Why is one of my eggs tiny — like marble-sized?

These are called "fairy eggs" (also known as wind eggs or witch eggs). They're caused by a small piece of tissue triggering the egg-forming process before a yolk is released — so they typically contain only albumen (egg white) and no yolk, or a very small one. Fairy eggs are most common when a hen is just starting to lay and her cycle is still calibrating, but they can occasionally occur in mature hens too. They're harmless and perfectly edible, just not much of a meal.

Why is my yolk so pale?

Yolk color is directly tied to diet. Hens with access to pasture, insects, and greens produce deep orange yolks. Hens on a grain-only diet produce paler yellow yolks. Pale yolks aren't unsafe — they just reflect a less varied diet.

What's that white stringy thing in my egg?

That's the chalaza — a twisted cord of protein that anchors the yolk in the center of the egg. More prominent in very fresh eggs. It's completely normal and edible.

What are blood spots in eggs?

A small blood spot indicates a ruptured blood vessel during egg formation. It's harmless and safe to eat — you can remove it with a spoon if you prefer. More common in older hens and certain breeds.

Freshness & Safety

How do I tell if an egg is still fresh?

The float test: place the egg in a bowl of cold water. Fresh eggs sink and lay flat. Older eggs stand upright. Floating eggs have a large air cell and should be discarded.

Can I eat eggs straight from the nest?

Yes, as long as the shell is clean and uncracked. Give them a visual inspection and you're good to go.

Why do store-bought eggs need refrigeration but farm eggs don't?

Commercial eggs are washed, which removes the bloom and requires refrigeration. In many countries (including most of Europe), eggs are sold unwashed at room temperature. In the US, commercial eggs are required to be washed and refrigerated.

What does "pasture-raised" actually mean?

Pasture-raised hens have meaningful outdoor access — typically 108 sq ft per bird — and forage for a significant portion of their diet. It's the highest welfare standard for commercially sold eggs and produces the richest yolks.

See our full guide: Why Pasture Raised Eggs Are Best

Production & Flock Management

How many eggs will my hen lay per year?

Depends heavily on breed. High-production breeds like Leghorns or ISA Browns can lay 280–320 eggs per year. Heritage breeds typically lay 150–220. Production declines with age and during molt and winter.

See our full guide: Best Egg-Laying Backyard Chicken Breeds

Why did my hen suddenly stop laying?

Many reasons — light levels, molt, stress, nutrition, age, parasites, or illness.

See our full guide: Why Aren't My Hens Laying? 12 Common Reasons and How to Fix Them.

At what age do hens start laying?

Most breeds begin laying between 18–24 weeks of age. Larger, slower-maturing breeds (like Jersey Giants or Brahmas) may take up to 28–32 weeks.

How long will my hen keep laying?

Peak production is years 1–3. Most hens continue laying in reduced quantities through years 4–5, with some breeds laying sporadically well into old age.