How to Store Quail Eggs: Keep Them Fresh, Safe, and Delicious
If you’re raising Coturnix, you’ll quickly find yourself with more eggs than you know what to do with. Whether you’re saving them for your kitchen or selling to customers, how you store quail eggs makes all the difference in freshness, safety, and flavor.
I’ve been raising quail here at Forget-Me-Not Quail Farm in Maine for over a decade now, and I’ve tried pretty much every way to keep eggs fresh. This guide covers what actually works, from daily collection habits to when to refrigerate (and when not to). By the end, you’ll know exactly what to do to keep your eggs clean, safe, and tasting great.
A Solid Egg-Collection Routine Makes All the Difference
Freshness starts the minute that egg hits the ground. The better your collection routine, the longer your eggs will last (no matter how you store them).
Collect Daily (or Twice a Day): Gather eggs at least once a day. In cold weather or busy coveys, twice a day helps prevent cracked, frozen, or trampled eggs.
Handle Gently: Coturnix eggs have thinner shells than chicken eggs, especially the eggs my Celadons lay. I use a shallow basket lined with a paper towel so they don’t roll and chip against each other.
Toss Cracked or Leaking Eggs: Even tiny cracks can let bacteria in. Don’t risk it. Cook them well for your birds (or dog) or compost them.
If You Keep Getting Cracked or Dirty Eggs… If you’re seeing messy or broken eggs often, check your setup. It usually comes down to crowding or damp bedding. A dry, well-bedded area helps eggs stay clean and intact.
Should You Wash Quail Eggs?
I get this question all the time and for good reason. It depends on where you’ll store them.
If You’re Keeping Eggs at Room Temperature
Don’t wash them. Quail eggs come with a natural coating called the bloom, which seals pores in the shell and keeps bacteria out. Washing removes that barrier and shortens the shelf life (by a lot).
If You’re Refrigerating or Selling Right Away
You can clean them lightly, but only if they’re actually dirty. Here’s how I handle washing on the farm:
- Dry clean first. Gently brush off bits of dirt or droppings with a soft cloth or dry sponge. A soft egg brush makes this quick and helps prevent cracking.
- Use water only when needed. If you need water, use warm (never cold) so you’re not pulling bacteria through the shell.
- Avoid soaking. A quick rinse and immediate drying is safest.
- Label them. Washed eggs go straight to the fridge and should be used within a few weeks.
For hatching eggs, don’t wash them at all. Not even a quick rinse. That bloom is what protects the developing chick during incubation. Not sure if it’s fertile? Here’s how to tell before you set it. If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s safe to eat fertile eggs, this quick guide clears up the confusion.
How I Store Quail Eggs to Keep Them Fresh
Once they’re clean and ready, it’s just about where to keep them. The best method depends on whether you plan to eat them soon or store them longer.
Room Temperature Storage (Unwashed Eggs)
If your house sits around 60–70°F and the humidity’s reasonable, unwashed eggs do fine on the counter.
- Store pointy end down in clean cartons or trays.
- Keep out of sunlight and away from heat sources.
- Plan to use them within 2–3 weeks for the best flavor and texture.
That’s the rule of thumb I go by, though I’ll admit, I’ve eaten older ones and lived to tell the tale. Just do a quick float test if you’re unsure. If you like keeping things organized, a wooden quail egg rack works great for countertop storage.
Refrigerated Storage (Washed or Unwashed)
If your house runs warm or humid, the fridge keeps them fresh a lot longer.
- Keep eggs in the main body of the fridge, not the door.
- Use sealed cartons so they don’t pick up fridge smells (onions and garlic are the usual offenders).
- I try to use fridge eggs within about a month.
I always tell new egg customers they can store quail eggs either way, “fridge or counter, your choice,” and explain why. Most people here in the U.S. have never heard of keeping eggs on the counter.
Curious how many eggs you’ll actually get? My breakdown by age, season, and setup will give you a realistic picture.
How Long Quail Eggs Really Last
Here’s a quick guide based on storage method:
| Storage Method | Washed? | Shelf Life |
|---|---|---|
| Room Temperature (65–75°F) | No | 2–3 weeks |
| Fridge (Unwashed) | No | Up to 8 weeks |
| Fridge (Washed) | Yes | 4-6 weeks |
| After Cooking (Hard Boiled) | — | Up to 1 week |
The Float Test
To check freshness, fill a bowl with water and gently place an egg in:
- Sinks flat: fresh
- Tilts or stands: still edible, but use soon
- Floats: toss it
And if you’re still not sure, crack it into a small bowl first, just to be safe.
Labeling and Selling Quail Eggs
If you’re sharing eggs with friends or customers, clear labels help them store things the right way (and keep your name tied to good eggs).
What to Include
- Collection date or week (a simple pencil mark works fine).
- Storage instructions: “Keep refrigerated” or “Unwashed – Store at room temperature.”
- Your farm name or contact info.
For gifting or sales, I use sturdy, eco-friendly paper quail-egg cartons. They look nice and do the job. I usually tuck a quick care sheet in with the carton. It answers questions before customers even ask (“How long do quail eggs last?” “Do they need to be refrigerated?”) and helps them feel confident using your eggs.
If you want to sell your extras, I’ve shared how I handle pricing, labeling, and what local buyers actually care about.
Troubleshooting Common Storage Problems
Even with a solid routine, stuff happens.
Dirty Eggs Despite Regular Collection: Add more bedding or nesting pads, and check for condensation on wire floors. Damp litter makes a mess fast.
Cracked Shells During Storage: Quail eggs are small and brittle. Use cartons that fit them snugly, and never stack heavy trays on top.
Off Odors in the Refrigerator: If the fridge smells off, the eggs are probably picking up other food odors. Keep them in sealed containers, and wipe down fridge shelves now and then.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions? Here are some of the most common things people ask me after visiting the farmstand.
You can, but they’ll rattle around and sometimes crack. If you’re selling or gifting, use proper quail-egg cartons. They’re cheap, sturdy, and actually keep the eggs from cracking.
Not always. Unwashed eggs can sit out for a few weeks. Once washed, though, they belong in the fridge.
You can crack them and freeze for cooking later, but never freeze them in the shell. They’ll expand and burst.
If they’re visibly clean, it’s best to leave them unwashed. If they’re dirty, clean gently and refrigerate. Never sanitize or wash hatching eggs.
That’s just a natural variation in the shell coating. It’s normal.
If it’s a hairline crack and the egg is fresh, cook it right away. Otherwise, just toss it.
Storing quail eggs doesn’t have to be complicated. Once you get into a rhythm, it feels second nature. You’ll get a feel for how long your eggs last, what works best in your setup, and how to teach others along the way. Whether you’re selling locally or just collecting for your own kitchen, a little care goes a long way toward keeping every egg safe and delicious.
You’ve got this and your quail will keep you stocked for months to come.
Should the eggs be washed before cracking them for consumption?
I don’t usually bother unless they are grubby looking. A simple rinse under the sink is all that’s needed if there’s manure.
What about long term storage in lime like they do for chicken eggs? I have been dehydrating mine but wanted some left whole so was thinking the jar with lime. Do you think that would work??
You can, but it’s a bit trickier than with chicken eggs. Quail shells are thinner and their bloom is more delicate, so handle them gently and never wash them first. Use 1 ounce of pickling lime per quart of clean water, and expect them to keep for about 3–6 months before the quality starts to decline.