How to Prevent Fresh Eggs from Freezing in the Coop

• Gather eggs frequently. Collect eggs a few times a day.
• Use the sun. Nesting boxes positioned on the east side of the coop will benefit from the morning sun warming the eastern exterior of the coop.
• Insulate nesting boxes. Straw retains heat better than shavings.
• Insulate the coop. Straw bales stacked around a coop and under an elevated one can help maintain warmth within.
• Hang curtains. Drape a cloth or blanket across the front of each nesting box to help retain warmth within the box. Be sure to leave a small space for the hens to enter the box.
• Let broody hens brood. Brood hens generally take a break in the winter. However, if you have a hen that stays broody, let her keep eggs warm.
• Defrost frozen eggs. If you do get frozen eggs, defrost them in the refrigerator. A defrosted egg is fine to eat.
• Consider supplemental heat. Caution! A heat lamp or bulb can heat a coop enough to keep eggs from freezing, but they are a fire hazard. Consider other options before taking the risk on supplemental heat.