Question on Eggs

[lmdengler]

Good Morning All
I have such a dilemma. On 5/5/19 I put 10 eggs under my broody hen. She’s been a real champ at setting in them. This is my first broody hen experience. On 5/12/19 - my elderly mother in law decided to collect eggs. She never collects eggs She collected ALL OF THEM! When my daughter called me to tell me “I think Nana did a bad thing - she brought in all the eggs.” I was so upset. According to my MIL it w as late in the day when she brought them in and it was about 9 when my daughter called me. What are the odds the eggs will survive 2-4 hours from under the hen? It’s so hard to know exactly how long because she doesn’t have a very good memory. I know she meant well but I’d be untruthful if I said I wasn’t really upset.

 

[BGcoop]

Where did she put them, left out or in fridge? Did she wash them? I personally would just put them back and then candle in a few days to check for development. (But I’ve never had a broody hen)
Also don’t be too hard on Nana, you can’t count your chickens before they hatch no matter what happens.

 

[WVduckchick]

Did the hen stay on the nest? I would also just give the eggs back to her. They should be fine. Give them a few more days, then candle them.

 

[Perris]

I would put them back too; if they weren't washed and refrigerated the episode may not be fatal. And anyway, what have you got to lose?