So I got six chicks in June last year and starting at the end of November (without any supplemental lighting, mind you), they started laying eggs daily and haven't paused since. I can keep 10 dozen in my fridge and the neighbors are full up, so a few months back I thought I'd try my hand at water glassing to preserve enough to take me through fall molting and the winter (assuming they take a break).
Most people I've seen have used food-safe 5 gallon buckets or huge glass jars, but being thrifty (i.e. broke), I took a look through the recyclable dumpster in my alley and found an alternative--those big, wide-mouth plastic jugs that protein powder and other supplements come in.
I kept my eye out and have gathered a small collection that can hold 1-2 dozen eggs depending on size. So after washing thoroughly, I carefully add the clean, fresh eggs.
Then I mix up the solution of pickling lime and distilled water at a rate of 1 ounce per quart. I have a special quart milk jug set aside for this, both to mix up the solution and to store any leftovers.
Pour the solution into the jug so that it's about 1 inch above the eggs.
Now since these recycled jugs aren't meant to be liquid-tight, I put some clingfilm over the top before screwing on the lid and labeling. The jugs get stored on a shelf in the basement in the dark and relative cool.
If things go alright, these eggs should keep perfectly fresh for up to a year or so, needing just a quick rinse of the shell before using. If things go wrong and one of the eggs had a crack, then it will rot and spoil the entire jug, but I will only have lost 1-2 dozen eggs instead of the many dozen in a 5 gallon bucket.
I'm going to keep going until I have about 12 dozen or so saved, then contact the local food pantry to arrange to donate excess eggs for the rest of the season.
