How long should I let my goose sit?

[2dancingrats]

She's been sitting on eggs for 40 days now. She stole some of the eggs from another goose who had already been sitting on them for about 35 days. She tolerated me cleaning her pen. I left the nest area alone. Its getting kind of stinky in there, but she's not ready to give up. She still barely takes a little break and she keeps the eggs well covered when she does. I'd like to try candeling, but really, won't get a chance to get my hands on the eggs.
How long should I let her continue? Does she really know if the babies are alive and growing? I'm trying to leave my faith with mother nature, but can't help myself from worrying she'll sit too long. She's two years old and had no interest in sitting last year.
My husband is wondering if the eggs or nest are normally a bit stinky.

 

[Balbinka]

You need to force her off her nest.
For her own good, and for the eggs.

Put her in an area (let her honk and scream) with food and water while you give the eggs a "sniff test" and candle any that don't smell completely rotten.

 

[pete55]

x 2

You need to take control of the situation. No the nest shouldnt smell so something is wrong. Get a candler/pen torch and check every egg carefully with the candler and your nose. If there are any good eggs then return those but you may have to provide new bedding if any have broken. Personally I would remove them all and break her from being broody but they do pine and can be difficult to get to eat again.

Pete

 

[GarlicEater]

Didn't a rotten goose egg save the day in Charlotte's Web?

Let 'er sit, those eggs will be solid gold the next time a political rally for "the other side" comes through your town.

 

[2dancingrats]

Quote:
Haahaahaaa!!! Great idea!
So, she would just keep sitting on rotten eggs? Silly goose!

 

[2dancingrats]

Thank you everyone who replied. She voluntarily left the nest today and I cleaned it up. Those eggs, although not broken, were beyond rotten! Hope she has better luck next year.

 

[Balbinka]

Quote:
Glad she left on her own and you were able to clean it out!
Yup, next year should be better- good luck.