Duck egg collection times - Ask Extension
Hello,
My ducks lay eggs in the morning. Can I safely collect the eggs at 3pm? I was told that as long as it doesn't get over 80 degrees outside th...
Knowledgebase
Duck egg collection times #784302
Asked March 17, 2022, 5:24 PM EDT
Hello,
My ducks lay eggs in the morning. Can I safely collect the eggs at 3pm? I was told that as long as it doesn't get over 80 degrees outside this was safe. Is that correct?
Marion County Oregon
Expert Response
Greetings,
Thank you for reaching out to Extension. The best practice/recommendation is to collect eggs early and often. It is best to collect the eggs as soon as possible after they are laid. The longer the egg is allowed to stay in the nest, the more likely the egg will get dirty, broken or will lose interior quality. Keeping nest boxes as clean as possible can offer another layer of protection if eggs are collected later in the day. How many ducks you have will play a role in the risk of contamination as well. Yes, heat is a consideration although I could not confirm specific temp limit. The reality is that people collect when they can and daily is what seems to be stressed the most.
Here is a great resource on food safety and eggs with more detail: https://www.extension.purdue.edu/extmedia/FS/FS-44-W.pdf
Egg Collection
Eggs that spend more time in the nest have an increased chance of becoming broken, contaminated with manure, or lower in quality.
Thank you for reaching out to Extension. The best practice/recommendation is to collect eggs early and often. It is best to collect the eggs as soon as possible after they are laid. The longer the egg is allowed to stay in the nest, the more likely the egg will get dirty, broken or will lose interior quality. Keeping nest boxes as clean as possible can offer another layer of protection if eggs are collected later in the day. How many ducks you have will play a role in the risk of contamination as well. Yes, heat is a consideration although I could not confirm specific temp limit. The reality is that people collect when they can and daily is what seems to be stressed the most.
Here is a great resource on food safety and eggs with more detail: https://www.extension.purdue.edu/extmedia/FS/FS-44-W.pdf
Egg Collection
Eggs that spend more time in the nest have an increased chance of becoming broken, contaminated with manure, or lower in quality.
- Coated wire baskets or plastic egg flats are good containers for collecting eggs.
- Collecting eggs at least twice daily is recommended, preferably before noon. Consider a third collection in late afternoon or early evening, especially in hot or cold weather.
- Discard eggs with broken or cracked shells.
