Can you eat chicken eggs straight from the chicken coop? Absolutely. Fresh eggs from backyard chicken flocks are typically higher in nutrients and disease free than the factory farmed eggs sold in most grocery stores today. In fact, fresh eggs from backyard chicken flocks can even be eaten raw or used while still warm from the hen.

To eat chicken eggs straight from the henhouse:

• Make sure your chickens are healthy and disease free; fortunately, this is typical of backyard flocks. Chickens with salmonella have a notoriously sick appearance and are typically only found in large factory farm operations.
• Wash eggs before using them, but not necessarily before refrigerating or storing them, as washing eggs removes a protective film that keeps them fresh longer.
• Provide your chickens with a clean nesting area. Distribute fresh straw or cedar chips in their nest boxes weekly to keep the eggs clean after laying.
• Collect the eggs daily and store them in a cool place.
• Refrigerate the eggs after washing them.

The next time someone asks if you can eat chicken eggs straight from the coop, you’ll know what to say: Yes, of course. Ironically, chicken eggs from small backyard flocks are not only higher in nutrients and much less prone to any kind of disease, but they also have better good cholesterol ratios.

Eating farm-fresh eggs is good for your health, and cooking them so the yolk is still runny (or adding them fresh, whole to yogurt smoothies) is the best way to soak up their nutritional benefits. Raw eggs are not a health hazard if they are fresh and the shells have been washed (use water mixed with vinegar) and dried before use, just as a precaution.

Free range eggs are also tastier than caged eggs. The flavor is buttery and good, really not even comparable to store bought eggs. Backyard chickens that have access to grass and insects in the yard produce eggs with yolks that are darker and brighter in color, almost orange, compared to the pale yellow of confined birds. These differences are evident for families that bought conventional eggs and raised their own chickens.

Once you’re comfortable with the health of your chicken flock, try adding raw egg yolks to healthy shakes and shakes for added nutrition. The incredible nutritional benefits of egg yolks are best assimilated raw or almost raw. In addition to raw yogurt smoothies, try fried eggs in coconut oil, pan-fried or deep-fried and then eat them plain or on toast. This is almost like eating eggs straight from the henhouse: delicious and good for your health.