How long can Hen stay off the nest?

[chellebugwv]

My Hen has been setting in 4 eggs for a little over 3 weeks. I am proud to say I am a grandma of 1 baby chick! BUT here's my dilemma: the nest is in a coop which is about 4 ft off the ground, and when I went out this evening to check the nest I found mamma with baby down on the ground. How long can she stay off the other 3 eggs without them dying? When I felt them they were cold, and I have no idea how long she's been away from them. I went ahead and put baby and mamma back in the nest. So, now I have a ton of worries and questions about their survival. Please help me.

 

[ScissorChick]

Hi, welcome to BYC!

It really just depends. A hen should only be off the nest for 15-20 minutes a day, but if she stays

off them a bit longer, it will not kill them right then and there. It depends on temperatures outside,

etc.

A couple days after the chicks hatch, the hen will abandon the remaining eggs, which is your problem.

Your going to need an incubator to put the rest in. Do a float test and/or candle before putting them in

the incubator, to be sure they are actually still alive.

Thread on how to do a Float Test -
https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=383525
Candling Thread -
https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=261876
Eggtopsy Thread (If you were interested... Not saying your eggs are dead
https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?pid=4408592

Good luck!

 

[chellebugwv]

TY!!! I am a newbie at hatching and raising, but I've had my 4 hens and 1 rooster for a year now. I have fallen in-love

I found her off the nest this morning with her babe in tow. I don't have an incubator, but now I am thinking investing into the "idea" of one, LOL. Thanks for your help!!!