Staying on the Eggs to Hatch

[PamelaJP]

Does the brood hen have to sit on the eggs 24/7 (except for food and water), or can she get off and walk around? And how long can she be off the nest before the chicks/eggs will die or not hatch? Thanks.

 

[aoxa]

It depends on how cold it is outside. Usually between 15 - 45 minutes is a good estimate. My girl would not leave by herself. She would go right back after 15 minutes, but it was really cold out. In the summer, I would think that they can be off for a good 30 - 45 minutes a day.