@6b64b577 Because some of them are 3-4 months old.  We coat them with mineral oil, so they last a long time (see the dozen labeled 'NOT OILED' - so we can pickle them).  But as we approach 6-month mark, mineral oil + refrigeration provide insurance.  Also, the fridge is a great place to store them out of harm's way (it is a basement fridge). 

 @5fe40dcb thank you for sharing your method, makes sense! I had no idea you could extend the egg life that long