How long can developing chicks not have a hen laying on them?!?

[ChickenQueen11]

I have a broody hen that's been Laying on 5 eggs for about 5 days now all the eggs have developing chicks in them. I went out this morning around 11 to check on her and she was on them I went out again at 2 and she was in another nesting box and there was no hen on her eggs. The eggs were still kind of warm and there was an extra egg. I'm not sure how long she was off the eggs or the hen that laid the extra egg was
Off them. It's been rainy and humid here today. How long can the eggs be without a hen on them before the chicks die? I don't think it could have been more then an hour or 2. Thanks!

 

[ChickensAreSweet]

This has happened to me too- the chicks hatched out of the developing ones (some of the eggs were clear), but now I put my broody in a hutch with food and water setting on eggs and let her out once a day to poo and stretch for about 15 minutes.

I don't like to find a hen setting on the wrong nest!

 

[Johnn]

They might still hatch, it might just be delayed.

 

[ChickenQueen11]

Would it be a good idea to build her a box the same size as the nesting box she's in and put it in a dog crate along with her and her eggs and with food and water? If I did this would she stop wanting to lay on them?

 

[Johnn]

Would it be a good idea to build her a box the same size as the nesting box she's in and put it in a dog crate along with her and her eggs and with food and water? If I did this would she stop wanting to lay on them?

You could, its really a 50/50 chance that she will carry on sitting. If you do, move her at night and make it so the cage is darkish and cosy.

 

[ChickensAreSweet]

Quote:
x2

I have used a cardboard box before, well-ventilated of course, inside a hutch.

x2 on the delayed hatch also.