Momma got confused on nest

[Dr.GarryTTucker]

how long is too long to be off of a nest. I came home and momma had been on a different nest. How long is too long? Are they still good? Do you think they died?She has been off for at least 3-4 hours. They were not warm to the touch. Maybe 5 hours at the most. I left home this morning around 8 she probably got off around 10-11. That’s when she got off on Saturday. I came home around 3 and that when I moved her.

 

[sourland]

Given the temperatures in Texas, the eggs should still be viable. They can withstand chilling for longer periods at lower temperatures.

 

[Dr.GarryTTucker]

Even though she left the nest for 4-5 hours? It’s been 70-90 today

 

[Ridgerunner]

While that is not a good thing, it is not necessarily a disaster. I've has hens off the nest long enough for the eggs to be really cold to the touch. I distinctly remember one, my guess is that she was off the eggs for 7 to 8 hours, though that is just a guess. She still hatched 11 chicks out of 11 eggs.

If you wish you can candle the eggs and see if you can see movement. Then candle again in a few days and see if they are still developing. Personally I don't candle them but just put the hen back on the right nest and see what happens. I've always gotten chicks, usually a lot.

 

[Dr.GarryTTucker]

If you wish you can candle the eggs and see if you can see movement. Then candle again in a few days and see if they are still developing. Personally I don't candle them but just put the hen back on the right nest and see what happens. I've always gotten chicks, usually a lot.

Ive heard, I don’t know how true, from someone on here that the eggs will go into a hibernation for 8+ hours. They said it was “scientifically proven”. No studies cited so. I put momma back on it and I’ll be coming home for lunch from now on.

 

[Dr.GarryTTucker]

Personally I don't candle them

Why don’t you candle them?

 

[Ridgerunner]

I don't feel the need.

 

[chickens really]

They will be fine..Although I'd set Momma up in a Broody pen so she won't leave the nest and won't have interference from other Birds..

 

[Perris]

I've had the same sort of experience as Ridgerunner, and mine were fine too. I don't candle either - if it has any impact on the outcome, it can only be negative. I prefer to leave a broody be, believing that she knows better than we how to incubate eggs.

 

[aart]

I don't candle broody eggs much either...maybe just halfway thru to remove any duds.
My broodies get moved behind a wire wall in coop before I give them fresh fertile eggs.

How long has she been setting?
Have you marked the eggs you want her to hatch so you can remove any new additions daily?