How long can a broody hen be off of her nest?

[horselover1999]

My broody's eggs are on day 9. Last night I moved her nest to a portable nest box. My dad lets them out at 4-4:30 am. When I got home at 4:00 pm she was in her original nest and the eggs were cold. Will the eggs still hatch after a maximum of 12 hours off the nest? I don't know when she got off and switched nests. I have already had to cull 5 eggs for not developing or a cracked shell. There are only three eggs left. I really want them to hatch. Please help!

 

[nchls school]

Your best bet is to give the hen some fresh fertile eggs. It is doubtful that the three are still viable. After brooding only 9 days she will easily brood the extra time to hatch fresh eggs.

 

[horselover1999]

I candled the eggs and I saw a little movement so they might still be alive. I have heard of eggs that were off the nest for longer than mine and still got a good hatch rate.

 

[nchls school]

I candled the eggs and I saw a little movement so they might still be alive. I have heard of eggs that were off the nest for longer than mine and still got a good hatch rate.

You are out nothing by trying. Wait 24 hours and candle them again. Then go from there.

 

[horselover1999]

When I moved her to the portable nest box I should have left the box in the original nest box.