Hen quit sitting on eggs

[Nd2lrnChx]

One if our hens hasn't sat on her eggs for a day or so. I'm wondering how long an egg is okay and still viable to hatch if the hen has quit sitting on it? I'm new to chickens and relatively clueless about them! Thanx for any input anyone may have!
I also have another question about a specific rooster and I am new here and not sure if I just asked my question anywhere or if I have to look for a specific thread to pose my question on? Thanks again guys!

 

[chickenmama109]

how long has she been sitting on them some chickens go broody and find out that its not what they want to do mine went broody three times and the third time she finally got her chick

 

[aart]

First make sure your hen is truly broody before giving her fresh fertile egg to hatch.
I don't call 'broody' until they've been on the nest for most the day and all night long for 3 days running.

Then you'll need to decide if you want her to hatch out some chicks, and how you will 'manage' it.
Do you have, or can you get, some fertile eggs?
Do you have the space needed? Both for more chickens and she may need to be separated by wire from the rest of the flock.
Do you have a plan on what to do with the inevitable males? Rehome, butcher, keep in separate 'bachelor pad'?
If you decide to let her hatch out some fertile eggs, this is a great thread for reference and to ask questions.
It's a long one but just start reading the first few pages, then browse thru some more at random.
http://www.backyardchickens.com/t/496101/broody-hen-thread