Question about the daily cooling period.

[donrae]

She is back on the original nest with the eggs again but was off them for proabably at least a couple of hours. they felt cold to the touch. No I haven't used an incubator at all.

I think your eggs will probably be fine. Hens get confused sometimes, but eggs are pretty darn hardy. Let us know how they hatch!

and

 

[Kookapie]

Thank you for your encouragement. I really do hope you are right! I'll let you know.

 

[darkbluespace]

I have heard of broodies off for hours or overnight and their eggs still hatched : )

 

[Shaneb99]

Brinsea has a couple of scientific reports on their website about cooling and the effects. What I think happens is that as the egg cools it contracts slightly drawing air in through the pores in the shell. Then as it warms up and expands it pushes some air out. Breathing in effect. That helps get oxygen to the embryo.

 

[Kookapie]

That would be wonderful!!! I will stay hopeful then.

 

[Sylviaanne]

I have heard of broodies off for hours or overnight and their eggs still hatched : )

I did not know this could happen but I don't think I could trust that she would be back on the nest the next morning if she were off all day. I would have to trust in my incubator and bring them in if she weren't on the nest at night.

 

[LittleRedCoop53]

My lovely broody hen has been sitting for 2 weeks on a dozen eggs. She got off the nest today and I found her sitting in a different nest. The eggs were cold. Is there any chance they will still hatch? I'm feeling pretty sad about it.

Did they ever hatch????