Brooding hen with eggs

[VJSchilling]

How long is it ok for the hen sitting on eggs to leave the nest?

 

[janinepeters]

Hmm, I guess it would depend on the temperature. In warm weather, the eggs will not cool as quickly, so she can leave for longer. This is why with wild birds, a cold snap in spring can destroy a clutch. Too hard for the female to get enough to eat, while at the same time keep the eggs warm enough.