Hen Eggs With Runny Whites
I received this question about runny egg whites.
I keep a few free range hens,recently the whites of the eggs have become runny. Nothing has changed in any way, feed or conditions. Any idea what I can do? They just splash across the pan now when fried. Thanks. James
This was my response:
Hi James, Thank you for your question.
I am not sure why egg white become runny but I googled it and found the following out.
The existence of runny eggs has nothing to do with freshness; it can be observed in newly laid eggs.
There are differences in biochemical composition between normal and runny eggs.
There appears to be a genetic effect on the incidence of runny eggs, suggesting that selection might reduce the incidence.
Considering egg albumen, the length of storage as well as environmental conditions of storage can significantly reduce quality. Factors such as incorrect temperature and humidity increase the loss of carbon dioxide (CO2) from the egg which is compounded by the length of storage. The result is a breakdown in albumen structure, with the net result being an egg with albumen that spreads thinly when broken out on a cooking surface rather than remaining firm and gelatinous as a fresh egg should.
The problem does not appear to be related to nutrition or the health status of the flock. It would appear that a genetic component is involved which presents a challenge for breeders to select against this trait.
Let me know if you have any advice. Thanks
Kind regards
sara @ farmingfriends
Do you know why hen egg white become runny?
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i have 3 hens and 1 rooster the white of my eggs are alwaly runny i was afraid it would do any off my family harm i do not keep them long.Should i keep them in the fridge or not i have tried both
Hi Linda,
Thanks for visiting farmingfriends and leaving your comment.
Hen eggs should be ok officially for 3 weeks and usually last longer is stored in a cool place. If you are keeping them for yourself then I would put them in a fridge.
How old are your hens Linda? as runny whites can be an indication of the age of the hens as well as the age of the egg.
I have added your query to the farmingfriends forum – http://farmingfriends.com/forums/topic.php?id=827
Kind regards
sara @ farmingfriends