Hidden chicken eggs--how to tell if they are good?

[maize]

My kids found a nest of eggs in a pile of branches, most from the same hen. 17 eggs, we don't know how long they have been there. Is there a way to tell if they are good?

And if anyone has ideas on how to convince this hen to go back to laying in the laying box those would be welcome as well!

[Tanaqui]

Uncooked, unwashed eggs will last quite a while. Submerge them in a bowl of water. If they STAY submerged, they're good as gold. If they float, they're bad. If they're half-and-half then they're a little old and you probably shouldn't hard boil them. Crack them individually into a separate bowl to check them out before using them.

[Emba]

Everything Tanaqui said! 🙂 That is exactly what I would do.

i don’t know how to get them to lay on the nest if other chickens are laying there and they just choose to be different. Maybe shut them up in a pen so that’s the only place they have to lay and they get into the habit?

[MaBelle]

Yep.  Floaters and sinkers.  But still crack them in a separate bowl so you don't ruin what you're making.

[MaBelle]

17 minutes ago, emba56 said:

 

i don’t know how to get them to lay on the nest if other chickens are laying there and they just choose to be different. Maybe shut them up in a pen so that’s the only place they have to lay and they get into the habit?

yep