Are you sure she abandon it or just taking a break? When my orps were broody she left the eggs at least 2 or 3 times a day to eat and drink. Those were the only time I had time to candle the eggs. I miss my orps.
She was going crazy trying to force her way out of the pen I had her in. She has been running around the backyard all day. She's *really* skinny. She had food and water in her area and she did eat and drink some, but not enough to bounce back from the two weeks of barely eating before I put her in the pen. She wasn't eating at all, until I put her in a safe place.. so she started out sitting on these eggs, already having lost weight. I've been giving her some scrambled eggs. Hope it'll satisfy.
When I let her out this morning for about 20 minutes, she was actively resisting being put back in the brooding area. When I put her back she just walked around looking for an exit. She stood in her nest for 10 minutes, kicking the eggs around. She's done. She may very well think they're no good, seeing as she sat on fakes for 2 weeks before getting these eggs.
The home-made bator is finally at perfect temp. I'm amazed at what I can put together when I'm in a bind.
I think they'll be ok. I tried to candle, but I have never done it before and don't have the equipment. I tried with a work light in a dark room and I did see an air pocket and what looked to be a chick. No peeping though, not even from the pipped egg. I haven't heard any more scratching either, but it is rather early.
We'll see what happens.
