How long can eggs go without mamma sitting in them?

[Csparling]

I have a momma duck that has been sitting on eggs for a few weeks, I have been candling them once in a while when I am able, and they all look viable. My husband sprayed the coop wall with raid due to a wasp nest and kicked the birds out for a few hours so they wouldn’t be around the fumes. I don’t think he was thinking about the nest needing mama.
I got home and let them all back in but before I did, I candled them. I can see movement in a few of them but I can’t tell how many days in they are in incubation. The eggs didn’t feel warm.Mamma went right to the nest and sat on them as soon as I let them in. Mamma was off the nest for probably 3.5 to 4 hours. Will this hurt the eggs???

 

[WVduckchick]

They should most likely be fine!

I see you are in Michigan. How has your weather been?

 

[FortCluck]

How hot is it where you are?

I would say that it could do something, but it probably did not. Best way to check is to candle some of the eggs with a flashlight when it is dark outside.

The best part about summertime is that it helps the eggs and the broodies. The broodies can come off the nest longer and the eggs suffer no ill effects from it.

Here is a BYC article on how to candle eggs:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/information-on-candling-eggs.73302/

 

[Csparling]

I have a momma duck that has been sitting on eggs for a few weeks, I have been candling them once in a while when I am able, and they all look viable. My husband sprayed the coop wall with raid due to a wasp nest and kicked the birds out for a few hours so they wouldn’t be around the fumes. I don’t think he was thinking about the nest needing mama.
I got home and let them all back in but before I did, I candled them. I can see movement in a few of them but I can’t tell how many days in they are in incubation. The eggs didn’t feel warm. Mamma was off the nest for probably 3-4 hours I think. Will this hurt the eggs???

They should most likely be fine!

I see you are in Michigan. How has your weather been?

It has been very hot the last few weeks. High 80s. Has been cooler (mid 70s)the last 2 days with rain.

 

[Csparling]

How hot is it where you are?

I would say that it could do something, but it probably did not. Best way to check is to candle some of the eggs with a flashlight when it is dark outside.

The best part about summertime is that it helps the eggs and the broodies. The broodies can come off the nest longer and the eggs suffer no ill effects from it.

Here is a BYC article on how to candle eggs:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/information-on-candling-eggs.73302/

It’s been on the high 80s for a few weeks with today being a tad cooler and rain this morning. I saw movement in some eggs while candling a few before I let the ducks back in so I hope that’s a good sign!

 

[FortCluck]

It’s been on the high 80s for a few weeks with today being a tad cooler and rain this morning. I saw movement in some eggs while candling a few before I let the ducks back in so I hope that’s a good sign!

That is a good sign