The Ultimate Guide to Collecting, Storing, and Selling Farm Eggs
There’s nothing quite like collecting fresh eggs straight from your own flock or buying them from a local farmer. But if you’ve ever wondered about the best way to store, wash, or sell eggs, you’re not alone! Here at BLeaves Farms, we believe in raising healthy chickens and enjoying fresh eggs the way nature intended.
In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about collecting and storing farm eggs, how long they last, how different countries handle egg storage, how seasonal changes affect egg production, and even tips for selling your own eggs.
Collecting Eggs: Best Practices
How Often Should You Collect Eggs?
For the freshest, cleanest eggs, it’s best to collect from the coop once or twice daily. This helps prevent eggs from getting:
✔️ Dirty from droppings or mud
✔️ Cracked due to overcrowding
✔️ Eaten by curious hens (it happens!)
Best Tools for Collecting Eggs
Using an egg collection basket or egg apron makes gathering eggs easy and prevents accidental drops.
To Wash or Not to Wash?
Freshly laid eggs have a natural protective coating called the “bloom” or “cuticle,” which helps keep out bacteria and extends shelf life.
Unwashed Eggs:
✔️ Keep the bloom intact
✔️ Can be stored at room temperature for up to 2-3 weeks
✔️ Are the most common way eggs are handled outside the U.S.
Washed Eggs:
✔️ Must be refrigerated to prevent bacteria from entering the porous shell
✔️ Will last up to 3 months in the fridge
✔️ Are how store-bought eggs are handled in the U.S.
How to Wash Eggs Safely:
- If an egg is clean, don’t wash it!
- If an egg is dirty, gently rub with a dry cloth or a fine sandpaper sponge
- If needed, wash in warm water only (never cold!) and dry immediately
Do NOT soak eggs in water. This can cause bacteria to be drawn inside the shell.
Refrigerate or Store at Room Temperature?
Depending on where you live, eggs may be refrigerated or left at room temperature.
How Long Do Eggs Last?
Unwashed at Room Temperature: 2-3 weeks
Unwashed in Refrigerator: 3+ months
Washed in Refrigerator: Up to 3 months
How the World Handles Eggs:
- U.S. & Canada: Eggs are washed and refrigerated.
- Europe & Asia: Eggs are left unwashed and stored at room temperature.
- South America & Africa: Most eggs are collected and stored without refrigeration.
Our Farm’s Preference
At BLeaves Farms, we prefer storing unwashed eggs at room temperature for daily use and refrigerating extras for long-term storage.
Best Refrigerator Storage Tips:
- Store eggs pointy end down in an egg holder
- Use reusable egg cartons for easy stacking
- Label eggs by collection date to use the oldest first
Winter vs. Summer Egg Production
Why Do Chickens Lay Fewer Eggs in Winter?
As daylight decreases, hens naturally slow down egg production. Chickens need at least 12-14 hours of light per day to maintain steady laying.
How to Boost Winter Egg Production:
- Provide supplemental coop lighting for 12-14 hours per day
- Feed high-protein treats like mealworms for extra energy
- Ensure warm, draft-free housing to reduce stress
Summer Egg Production & Heat Stress
Hot weather can stress hens and reduce egg laying, especially if they’re dehydrated or overheated.
How to Keep Chickens Laying in Summer:
- Provide plenty of shade & fresh water
- Freeze treats like frozen berries, watermelon, or ice blocks
- Use a chicken fan or misting system in extreme heat
Seasonal Egg Production Tip:
When eggs are abundant in summer, store extras in the fridge to save for winter baking!
How to Find Fresh Local Eggs
If you don’t raise chickens yourself, you can still enjoy fresh eggs!
Where to Buy Local Farm Eggs:
- Farmers’ Markets: Meet local farmers and ask about their egg-handling practices.
- Roadside Farm Stands: Some small farms sell eggs with an “honor system” payment box.
- Local Co-ops & Natural Food Stores: Look for pasture-raised, local options.
- Online Farm Directories: Websites like LocalHarvest.org connect consumers with local egg producers.
- Neighborhood Signs: Many people selling eggs put a sign advertising such in front of their home or farm.
- Word of Mouth: Ask around to see if your neighbors, family, friends, acquaintances, or coworkers know of any sellers.
Supporting small farms means you’re getting healthier eggs while supporting local agriculture!
How to Sell Your Own Farm Eggs
If your flock produces more eggs than you can eat, selling them can be a great way to offset feed costs or even make a small profit.
Pricing Your Eggs:
- Compare with local grocery store prices for organic/pasture-raised eggs.
- Premium farm eggs often sell for $4-$8 per dozen, depending on location.
How to Package & Sell Eggs:
- Use recycled or custom egg cartons. Purchasers are often willing to donate their old cartons if you ask.
- Or get blank cartons and label with your farm name & collection date.
- Add a cute “Farm Fresh Eggs” sign for sales at farm stands or in front of your home.
Where to Sell:
- Farmers’ markets
- Online marketplaces (Facebook, Craigslist, Nextdoor, etc.)
- Local feed stores & small grocery stores
- On the farm
- On your website
- To neighbors, coworkers, family, friends and other community members
Egg Storage & Selling Essentials
Egg Collection Basket & Egg Storage: Keeps eggs safe while gathering
Reusable Egg Cartons: Perfect for storing & selling
Farm Fresh Eggs Sign: Attracts buyers to your stand
Custom Egg Stamps: Brand your eggs for a personal touch
Final Thoughts: Fresh Eggs Are Best!
Raising chickens means enjoying the freshest, healthiest eggs right from your backyard. Whether you collect, store, or sell eggs, following best practices will maximize freshness and flavor.
At BLeaves Farms, we believe in sustainable, natural food production, and nothing beats the joy of farm-fresh eggs!
Looking to start your own backyard flock? Check out our Ultimate Guide to Raising Egg-Laying Hens blog post to get started!
Join us at our BLeaves Farms Instagram and Facebook page to tell us about your experiences!
Affiliate Disclaimer
This article contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting BLeaves Farms and our mission of sustainable living!
