How long can a broody hen be off her nest? How good of a hatch rate can I be expecting?

[MontainBourbons]

Hello I currently have 2 bourbon red hens laying on eggs and at times they get off for up to 45 minutes. Is that normal?
I would also want to know how high of a hatch rate that I can be expecting, if it's high or low?
Thank you for your help

 

[gamebirdsonly]

Depending on how cold it is. With the warmer temps it's no big deal if their off their nest 45min or longer. As far as hatch rate that depends on a lot of things.

This I Guarantee on your hatch rate it will be some where between 0% to 100%

 

[jas humbert]

There is no one answer and it depends greatly on the individual hen. Some broodies are much more diligent than others. I've had 100% hatches and 0% hatches with different hens.

 

[MontainBourbons]

Haven't checked in for a While but I did get 20 healthy chicks out of 30 eggs.