Hatching Eggs

[bamdim]

I have a broody silkie right now. Since she is not laying, I am putting another silkie's eggs under her. I notice from time to time, she leaves the eggs long enough that they aren't very warm - maybe a little cool. How long can the eggs stay out from underneath the hen?

 

[donrae]

I've had hens stay off the nest up to half an hour at a time and still have good hatches.