Can You Eat Your Chicken’s First Egg? What New Chicken Keepers Should Know
If you’re raising backyard chickens, the day your pullets lay their first egg is exciting. That tiny, oddly shaped egg represents months of care and anticipation. But you might be wondering—can you eat that first egg? Is it safe? Does it taste different?
This article answers all your questions about a hen’s first egg: safety, nutrition, what to expect, and how to make the most of those early layers.
Can You Eat Your Chicken’s First Egg?
Yes, you can absolutely eat your chicken’s first egg, as long as the hen is healthy and the egg is clean and intact.
The first egg may be smaller or oddly shaped, but it’s still perfectly safe to eat. Just make sure it’s free of cracks, hasn’t been sitting too long, and the hen hasn’t shown signs of illness. When in doubt, do a quick float test (more on that below).
What Does a Chicken’s First Egg Look Like?
A hen’s first egg is usually smaller than average and may have an irregular shape or a softer shell. This is normal and simply reflects her developing reproductive system.
Common traits of first eggs include:
- Smaller size (sometimes called “pullet eggs”)
- Unusual shapes—pointy, bumpy, or long
- Thin or slightly soft shells
- No yolk or a double yolk (less common)
These abnormalities usually resolve after a few weeks of consistent laying. Once your pullet’s system is fully matured, eggs become more regular in size and structure.
Are First Eggs as Nutritious as Regular Eggs?
Yes, pullet eggs contain the same nutritional components—protein, fat, vitamins, and minerals—just in smaller portions.
In fact, some chefs and egg enthusiasts prize pullet eggs for their rich yolks and tender whites. Since they’re smaller, many people describe them as having a slightly more concentrated flavor.
Here’s a comparison of what to expect nutritionally:
| Egg Type | Weight | Calories | Protein |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pullet Egg | 35–40g | 50–55 | 4g |
| Standard Large Egg | 55–60g | 70 | 6g |
Is There a Risk of Salmonella or Other Contamination?
There’s no increased risk of salmonella from a first egg if your flock is healthy and well cared for.
As always, practice good egg-handling hygiene:
- Collect eggs daily to avoid contamination
- Wipe off dirt gently with a dry or slightly damp cloth (avoid soaking eggs)
- Refrigerate promptly if not using within 24 hours
- Cook eggs thoroughly if there’s any concern about cleanliness
Want a natural approach to keeping your flock healthy year-round? The Doctor’s Book of Survival Home Remedies provides safe herbal solutions for everything from digestive issues to egg-laying problems—without the use of synthetic drugs.
What’s the Best Way to Eat Your Chicken’s First Egg?
There’s something symbolic about how you eat that first egg. Many keepers choose a simple preparation—scrambled, fried, or soft-boiled—to truly enjoy the freshness and flavor.
Popular first-egg preparations:
- Fried in a skillet with a touch of butter or coconut oil
- Soft-boiled and served with toast soldiers
- Scrambled with herbs from your garden
- Folded into an omelet with fresh greens or cheese
Whatever method you choose, that first egg is a milestone worth savoring.
How to Tell If a First Egg Is Safe to Eat
Not sure how fresh the egg is? Use the float test—a simple method that uses water to test for age and safety.
Float Test Instructions:
- Fill a bowl or glass with cool water
- Gently place the egg in the water
- If it sinks and lays flat, it’s fresh and safe to eat
- If it tilts or stands up, it’s still edible but getting older
- If it floats, it’s no longer safe—discard it
This works because eggshells are porous—over time, air seeps in and changes buoyancy.
Why First Eggs Might Be Misshapen or Shell-Less
New layers often lay soft or odd-looking eggs at first. Their systems are still calibrating, and that can result in:
- Soft-shelled eggs (rubbery, easily cracked)
- “Fart eggs” or wind eggs—tiny eggs with no yolk
- Double-yolked eggs from hormone fluctuations
These are rarely cause for concern unless they persist. To support healthy laying, make sure your pullets get:
- High-quality layer feed with calcium
- Access to oyster shell or crushed eggshells
- Fresh water and sunshine for vitamin D
Natural supplements like kelp, garlic, and apple cider vinegar can also improve nutrient absorption and egg quality. For more natural remedies to boost laying, prevent parasites, and manage stress, check out The Doctor’s Book of Survival Home Remedies.
Celebrate That First Egg—And Prepare for More
Once your pullets start laying, production will gradually ramp up. Most hens lay 4–6 eggs per week once fully mature. That first egg signals the beginning of months—and possibly years—of fresh, homegrown nutrition.
Want to Build the Perfect Egg-Laying Setup?
Whether you’re upgrading your nesting boxes or creating a more efficient coop layout, the DIY Woodworking and Homestead Plans Guide includes thousands of buildable blueprints, including:
- Space-efficient nesting boxes
- Rodent-proof feeders and waterers
- Automatic coop doors
- Solar lighting systems
Perfect for off-grid homesteads or backyard setups that want to optimize egg production and chicken comfort—all with simple tools and materials.
Conclusion
Yes, you can—and should—eat your chicken’s first egg. It’s a fresh, nutritious reward for your efforts and marks the beginning of a new chapter in backyard farming. While the first few eggs might be small or irregular, they’re safe, tasty, and perfectly edible with basic care and hygiene.
Looking to raise healthier hens and improve egg quality naturally? Grab The Doctor’s Book of Survival Home Remedies and learn how to care for your flock without chemicals. Need to upgrade your coop? Explore the DIY & Homesteading Plans Guide to start building smarter today.