Here are three things you must do to prevent eggs from freezing in winter (for backyard chicken keepers), plus safe things you can do with frozen eggs if you find them.

Nothing’s more disappointing than heading to the chicken coop in the winter and finding frozen, cracked eggs in your nesting boxes. Winter egg collecting requires special attention and strategy. Beyond the waste, frozen eggs pose health risks if the shells crack and become contaminated.

This guide will help you keep you prevent eggs from from freezing in cold winter temperatures.

The Science Behind Frozen Eggs

Fresh eggs freeze at approximately 29°F (-1.7°C), slightly below the freezing point of water. When eggs freeze, they expand, causing the shells to crack. The expansion can create hairline fractures that allow bacteria to enter the egg, making it unsafe for consumption even after thawing.

Signs of Frozen Eggs

Learning to identify frozen eggs isn’t hard, but here are the signs you should look for:

• The shell feels extremely cold and may have visible cracks
• The egg appears expanded or misshapen
• You might hear sloshing when gently shaking the egg
• The shell may have a crystalline appearance
• Hairline cracks often appear on the broader end first

Egg Collection Strategies

Getting eggs early and often is your first line of defense against frozen eggs.

Start your first collection as early as possible in the morning, as many hens lay within the first few hours of daylight. Schedule collections every 2-3 hours during daylight hours in freezing weather. Make your last collection just before the chickens roost for the night.

If your chickens never lay first thing in the morning, though, why go out to look? Understand when your chickens are laying eggs is a good strategy!

Nesting Box Modifications

Properly prepared nesting boxes significantly reduce the number of frozen eggs you find. Here are two quick and easy modifications you can make to your nesting boxes.

Insulation Techniques

Line nesting boxes with thick layers of straw or hay, replacing when wet or compressed. Consider adding insulation board to the backs and sides of exterior nesting boxes, keeping it safely covered to prevent pecking. Some keepers successfully use foam insulation beneath thick bedding.

We like to put down these Eaton Pet nesting pads and then put animal bedding chips on top on them. It works really well!

Positioning Matters

Locate nesting boxes away from drafts and exterior walls when possible. If boxes must be against exterior walls, add extra insulation. Position boxes where they can benefit from any ambient heat in the coop without being too close to heat sources.

Encouraging Early Laying

Help your hens lay earlier in the day when you’re more likely to collect eggs promptly. You can do this by adding morning light for your chickens.

Related post: How to Maintain Winter Egg Production

Implement a lighting program that encourages laying in early morning hours. Use timers to provide light starting several hours before sunrise rather than extending evening light. This helps chickens maintain natural roosting patterns while promoting earlier laying.

Feeding Schedules

Provide the main feed early in the morning to stimulate activity and laying. Offer high-energy treats first thing to encourage hens to leave the roost and begin their day.

What to Do with Frozen Eggs

Despite your best efforts, you will probably find frozen eggs, especially during brutal cold snaps. Current safety guidelines for frozen eggs are:

• Discard any eggs with cracked shells
• Never try to hatch frozen eggs
• Don’t save questionable eggs “just in case”
• If in doubt, throw it out
• You can also cook the eggs and feed them to your chickens, dogs, or other livestock.

Identifying Safe Eggs

Eggs that have frozen but maintain intact shells might still be usable if:

• The shell shows no signs of cracking
• The egg was collected promptly after freezing
• It can be used immediately after proper thawing

Make sure you store cold winter eggs in the fridge. Treat them as washed eggs, even if they aren’t frozen. If you’ve ever left a cold egg out, you probably noticed the condensation it developed as it warmed up. This condensation can be enough to render the bloom ineffective.

Checklist to Help You Prepare for Success

Create a winter egg management plan before cold weather arrives. Now is the time to go through your winter prep checklist and get everything in order.

• Stock up on extra bedding materials
• Install insulation before first freeze
• Establish collection schedules
• Prepare backup plans for extreme weather
• Train family members or farm helpers in proper collection procedures

Conclusion

Preventing frozen eggs requires diligence and planning, but the effort pays off in saved eggs and peace of mind. Focus on frequent collection, proper insulation, and temperature management. Remember that each coop setup is unique – observe what works best in your situation and adjust accordingly.

More Posts on Caring for Chickens in Winter:

How to Maintain Winter Egg Production

How to Keep Chickens Warm in Winter Without Electricity

What to Feed Chickens in Winter to Help them Stay Warm

Winter Water Management for Chickens