EDIT: Is it okay to take a couple eggs out from under her?

[Griffin Nest]

A few days ago my button quail began sitting on some eggs. (8-9 i think). Now my quail aren't really famous for staying on their eggs for more than a day, but time time I think she's serious. I really want her to hatch these ones, but I notice her getting up for long periods of time (like 3-4 hours at a time, twice a day).

Is this normal and will it hurt the chicks? Since I have button quail I'm used to artificailly incubating, so please help me with this.

EDIT 7/29:

She has 10 eggs under her and I think that's too many. I want to take some out that are infertile/not developing but will she stop sitting if she notices a few missing? Thanks everyone!!!

 

[GrandmaBird]

Don't count on it buttons are not known for brooding their eggs. if you really want the chicks put them in the incubator. 3-4 hours is too long the eggs would get cold unless the air temp is over 100. good luck

 

[Griffin Nest]

I can't put them in an incubator now because im going out of town

I just hope she doesn't screw these eggs up

 

[Griffin Nest]

It looks like she layed another egg and is sitting on that one too. This is overwhelming

 

[GrandmaBird]

if she is still laying she is not broody...yet. she may still brood but not if you disturber her once the hen begins to brood you must just feed and water them but that is all. if you try to clean or move anything she will give up. be very careful around her..quiet and calm. She could go broody now but if she keeps laying she will not and if you want the chicks you will need to incubate them yourself. at this point I would remove them all if you want to hatch them otherwise trash them or cook and fed them back to her the eggs are usually good for 7-8 days or 7-8 eggs then they start to die.