From Coop to Kitchen: A Guide to Proper Egg Collection, Handling & Storage

Delta Farms
Jun 17
2 min read

At Delta Farm, we believe that farm-fresh eggs are one of nature’s perfect foods—but the way they’re collected, handled, and stored can make all the difference in quality and safety. Whether you're raising a few backyard hens or managing a larger flock, understanding the best practices for egg care helps protect the health of your flock, your family, and your customers.

Here’s our step-by-step guide to collecting, handling, and storing eggs the right way.

Step 1: Collect Eggs Often

Frequency matters. Collecting eggs at least twice a day—morning and late afternoon—reduces the risk of breakage, soiling, and brooding behavior. In hot or cold weather, more frequent collection helps prevent spoilage or freezing.

Tip: Provide clean, straw-filled nesting boxes in a quiet area of the coop to encourage hens to lay in designated spots.

Step 2: Handle with Clean Hands

Minimize contamination. Before collecting eggs, wash your hands thoroughly or wear clean gloves. Avoid handling eggs if your hands are dirty or after handling feed, litter, or birds.

Check for cleanliness. Try to avoid washing eggs unless necessary. A clean nesting box reduces the likelihood of dirty eggs. If an egg has visible dirt, gently wipe with a dry cloth or fine sandpaper.

Step 3: Washing (Only If Needed)

To wash or not to wash? Fresh-laid eggs have a natural coating called the bloom or cuticle that helps seal the shell and protect the egg from bacteria. Washing removes this protective barrier, so if you must wash an egg, do it right:

Use warm (not hot) water—warmer than the egg itself—to prevent bacteria from being drawn into the shell.
Use a food-safe sanitizer if desired.
Dry eggs immediately and store them in the refrigerator.

Step 4: Storage

Refrigeration is key for washed eggs. Once an egg is washed or if you’re selling to customers, it should be refrigerated at 40°F (4°C) or below to reduce the risk of salmonella.

Unwashed eggs (with bloom intact) can be stored at room temperature for a limited time in cooler climates, but refrigeration is always safest, especially in warmer weather.

Label and rotate. Mark the collection date on your eggs and use the oldest first—this is the "first in, first out" rule of egg freshness!

Bonus Tips

Float test: Not sure if an egg is still fresh? Place it in a bowl of water. Fresh eggs sink; older eggs stand upright or float.
Cracked eggs: Do not use or sell cracked eggs. Bacteria can enter easily.
Selling eggs? Check your local regulations on washing, labeling, and refrigeration requirements to remain compliant.

Clean Eggs, Clean Living

At Delta Farm, we’re passionate about sharing best practices with our community of farmers, homesteaders, and clean-food enthusiasts. Proper egg handling preserves freshness, protects health, and delivers the high-quality product your family—and customers—deserve.