She left the nest and the eggs got cold. Are they ruined?

[fogbubble]

My girls have been pretty excited about the prospect of new ducklings since our favorite Welsh Harlequin finally went broody last Tuesday night. She was doing great. Well, today (Friday) we found her out with the other ducks and nowhere near the duck box with nest inside. The eggs were cool to the touch and it was about 60 degrees outside. I don't know how long she was gone. I candled a few eggs - some had blood rings and I tossed them, but three showed definite signs of development. There were small dark centers and very obvious blood vessels radiating outward, along with nicely developed air cells. Here's my question: If they were still alive, shouldn't I have seen heartbeats at this stage? I saw no movement. I locked all the ducks back in the box and she went right back to the nest. Yes, I know I should just wait a while and see, but my girls are worried too and I want to tell them something. Plus I could switch the eggs out for some fresh ones.

So, if the eggs get cold, are they ruined?

Thanks!
Shannon

 

[duckyfromoz]

It depend on how cold they were and for how long... Eggs are able to retain inner temp longer.... If the middle of the inside of the egg wasnt cold for too long- they may still be ok.

 

[Crazy4cochins]

It's ok to worry.
I always freak out when some of hens go running about the yard when they are suppose to be the nest.
In my experience mine get up and wander al ittle bit during the day kinda like break time. I too get worriesd about the temps but all you can do is wait
to see if they'll get back on it and leave her alone, I bother mine alot hehehe I can't help it but my hens have gone broody a few times now and I give them their fav. treat scratch while they sit on the nest as like a speacil reward for them.
good Luck and I just got some ducks and am hgetting a adult female pekin tom.. I will be in the same boat !