Martin:

No, roosters really don’t make a difference one way or another unless you’re wanting baby chicks. What increases production is light, feed, and water. Never let them go without water for too long!

Now I’ll also tell you, there’s two schools of thought on artificial light and chickens. Technically you could stimulate them in the winter with artificial light to produce more eggs. However, on a personal level I feel that nature has designed them to lay less in the weak winter sunlight for a reason. Chickens deserve rest just as humans do. For their health and happiness, giving them some time off is a good idea.

Back in 1977, Mother Earth News did a great article where they tested eggs and I think you may find it of interest. Personally, I prefer to keep fertilized eggs on the cooler side. I don’t want them getting too warm. They usually won’t unless your area is warm and draft-free.

http://www.motherearthnews.com/real-food/fresh-eggs.aspx#axzz2jAhg3mK0

I’m not surprised, Carol. People seemed to be better able to stand up to basic bacterium before wide-spread antibiotic use. And besides, if you store them properly they’re safe from bacteria anyway.

Yeah definitely, it should be fine. The FDA I’m sure would have kittens, but generally people can do this quite successfully. If you chose to wash them, just dip them in oil before storing them longer than a couple of days. But you can put them right on your shelf no problems. Keep an eye on the blog and I’ll have more details about washing and storing eggs among other things.

Yes, Chickenlady is right. You can wash the eggs, dip them in oil (like sunflower oil or something) to seal the pores of the eggs, and store them in flats in a cool, dark, dry place. I just definitely recommend flipping them once a week or so. They start going bad when the yolk sticks to the inner membrane.

Up to a year if either unwashed or washed and coated with oil, if stored in cool dry place. Basement is a great location if you have one.

Good advice Shaw…..thank you!