Hen moved to next nest - off eggs for hours - are they dead?

[GerbilsOnToast]

I have several years and hundreds of chickens worth of experience on egg production, but this is my first broody hen experience, I went in knowing nothing, and i think I blew it.

Buff Orpington hen. She is stationed in the 'grow up pen'; a 10'x10' indoor full enclosure with three (side-by-side) nests 3' off the floor. She was in the center nest, from which she can see into the left nest. The nest on the right is fully closed. (I know now that I should have put her there)

With her are the rooster and two hens (egg donors). The other hens lay in the empty nests, and eggs are removed usually within an hour. I took a nap late this morning... and when I went down to check on them, I found her in the left nest, sitting on a single egg. Her clutch, in the center nest, was cool to the touch. I have candled several, and they are/were growing. Is there any chance they're still viable?

Either way, hen permitting, I planned to move her to a fruit crate of hay on the floor... is that an option? Are there things I need to know about moving currently incubating eggs? (my book only tells me how to handle them pre-incubation) Any advice from folks with experience in this would be most welcome!

 

[sourland]

Your eggs should still be viable. I would suggest either moving the setting hen or blocking the other nest box and moving the others. Good luck with your hatch.

 

[Ole rooster]

You'll be fine. I have a broody that did the same thing. Everytime she got up to do her thing she got back on the wrong nest. She started on one nest and I move here where I wanted her. She went back the the nest she wanted and not where the eggs were. When I found her I picker her up and put her on the eggs.Still they all hatched on day 21 just like they were supposed to. And I'll these are the nicest chicks I have yet. They really have a personality and not skiddish at all. I was going to get rid of all the BO's I have. I did two but this girl is really a good mama. She might can stay around.

 

[GerbilsOnToast]

I set her up in an alcove off the main hallway - not really in a pen, but private and I don't expect her to be galavanting about much. Fruit crate with hay, feed & water nearby. Unfortunately, that floor is not tile She settled right back in, so I assume she approved. Thanks for the encouragement, back to the waiting game!

 

[GerbilsOnToast]

Just wanted to leave an update here - we're hatching! Four of ten are out; fifth has pipped a hole. All pullets so far!!!