How to Gather Eggs

Contributor

By eHow Contributing Writer

Eggs need to be gathered once a day - twice a day in freezing weather.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Step 1

Provide nests and nesting material such as hay or straw for your hens to lay eggs in.
Step 2

Use a basket to carry eggs to prevent them from rolling together and possibly cracking.
Step 3

Look in each nest for eggs.
Step 4

Remove an egg from a hen that is trying to set to prevent her from hatching chicks. If you want her to hatch the eggs, then do not remove any eggs from her nest box, and place other eggs in with her to hatch if you wish.
Step 5

Leave the hen alone if she is trying to lay. Pick up her egg on the next gathering.
Step 6

Check eggs for cracks. Do not eat cracked eggs or eggs with very soiled shells.
Step 7

Clean eggs with a soft brush and warm water.
Step 8

Store the eggs in a carton in the refrigerator, with the small ends pointing down.

Tips & Warnings

The blood spot on a fresh egg is caused by a rupture of a blood vessel on the yolk during its formation. You can remove it with the tip of a knife, but it is safe to cook and eat.
Check the nest for a snake or other critter before you stick your hand in to gather the egg.