Free range hens laying in woods

[kbird]

All of my chickens free range on our 10-acre farm. My hens have been known to sneak off in the woods and lay a clutch of eggs. If they don't sit on the eggs constantly and the eggs are in freezing temps during the night, will it then be impossible for the eggs to be hatched? I don't want any more chicks, especially during the winter! Every time I see one of my hens wander off alone, I'm afraid she is laying eggs somewhere other than the nesting boxes in their coop. Do I need to hunt down the potential hidden clutch, or stop wasting my time and not worry about it until spring? I know it's sorta a dumb question, but just wanted to confirm my belief that once-frozen eggs will never hatch.
Thanks!!

 

[shabbyfarm]

If they get frozen, you are safe they will not hatch.

 

[kbird]

Thank you!! I thought I was right about that. I know that eggs have to be kept at a certain temp either by mama hen or an incubator, but just wanted to make sure.

Now I'll just stop worrying about it, unless one of the girls goes missing! I appreciate your reply