Pro - Does anyone else's nest boxes get soaked in rain?

[hellomotto678910]

When I went out to feed the chickens this morning, I found our broody hen off her nest. I have a feeling she might have been bullied off the nest by the others, but it hasn't happened before. The eggs are on day 16 and I don't know how long she left them for- the ones in the centre were still relatively warm but the ones on the outside were quite cold. She got back on her nest straight after I let the other chickens out. Do you think the chicks will be okay and how long could she leave her eggs before they risk not hatching or the embryo dying?

[Egluntyne]

I'd suggest that you separate her and the eggs from the other hens so that she can have peace and quiet, and so that when the chicks hatch, they aren't in danger of being attacked by the other hens.

[bronze]

Birds sitting on nests do need to leave them regularly to eat,poo and stretch their legs so you may have just caught her at one of those moments

[hellomotto678910]

Thank you for your replies I will keep the others away from her.