- Feb 2, 2010
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Hi, I have had a broody Australorp sitting on eggs for 2 weeks. In that time I have never seen her get off them, although she probably has, but she's very committed. Today we noticed that she had got off. We don't know when but right now it's 40 mins since we noticed, and it's possibly been all morning. I had a feel and they were cool (but not totally cold) and I panicked and put them in a container with a warm pad, and put some others in the nest in case she sat back down. I was thinking to borrow an incubator if i could keep them alive until I get one. Have I done the wrong thing? Perhaps she knew she could get off for a while as it's going to be a stinking hot day here (Canberra Australia) today (32-35 C). I'm new to this and thought 15-20 mins was the most they could get off for. But I've read some old threads here where people say their hens have hatched totally cold eggs. Can anyone advise? I'm thinking maybe I should just put them back and let nature take it's course, but I was so looking forward to those chicks.