Is candling necessary if my hen is setting them?

[ParadiseHens]

Aloha,
I have been reading a lot on this forum and appreciate that everyone is taking time to post. My Hen is sitting for the 1st time. She has been on the clutch for about a week. 4 days ago I was able to mark the eggs and counted 11 eggs. I am hesitant to interfere much. I am wondering if more eggs are under her, or if she pooped in there, so I have been sitting in the coop hoping she would get off so I can check. I am thinking about lifting her off this evening to make sure she eats and drinks, and hopefully poops. Also, I can check the egg situation. I have not moved her to a maternity coop, but have one ready if need. I'd like the process to be as natural as possible, and I want to be prepared and make wise choices.
What do you think about letting her sit without ever candling? if some hatch in 18-21 days and then others do not, then I could candle to see if those are still alive?
hmmm???

Mahalo,
PH

 

[foreverlearning]

I don't candle mine unless it is over 100 outside, I trust my broody. Most broodies will kick out a bad egg in time so if you find one out of the nest that may be what she is doing. If it is over 100 outside I candle because a hot bad egg can explode and be a smelly mess. I have never had this happen to me but I do know people that it has happened to. If your broody pooped in the nest you will think something died in there. There is a special kinda bad smell that can only come from the poop of a broody and it will make you sick to your stomach. They only get off once or twice a day for a maximum of 15 minutes. My girls won't get off the nest unless there is no one around and they can see the eggs from the food and water. I suggest moving her and the eggs at night as the other hens can stress her out and even make her leave the nest. You will also catch her plucking the feathers out of her chest...This is normal and she does it to better warm the eggs and chicks.

 

[ParadiseHens]

Mahalo ForeverLearning.... Love your name by the way.

I have been sniffing near her and do not smell anything abnormal. The temperature here in. Hawaii is usually in the 80s necessary too hot or cold. We feel blessed.
I'm inclined to leave her in her nest and not move her. The other hens don't seem to be bothering her at this point. The laying boxes are about 3 feet off of the floor so I may need to build a railing or move her after chicks are up and about so they do not fall off. There are about 8- 10 other boxes that the other hens are have to lay in. They utilize a few of them.
I appreciate your experience.