My broody hen left the nest this am to eat and drink but she was off the eggs for at least 30 mins. Is this to long for her to leave them?
No. That's fine. She just needed a little break to stretch her legs and spread her wings... Think about...you couldn't sit in the same box 24/7 either.
I have a hen that is broody and she leaves the nest at least once a day to eat and drink. I have noticed that she is getting a bit pink in her comb and wattles but for the most part she is doing great.
When my brooder would get off the nest, I would worry too. One time I worried so much {the eggs had gotten cold} that I chased her back into the coop. LOL But almost every egg hatched, so I worried for nothing. Mother Nature's been at it a little longer than I have, I guess I should have just stayed out of it. Best of luck!