Canary not incubating

[Rob]

Hi all,

One of my hens laid 2 eggs, and it's been a few days now since the last one was laid and she's not sitting on them. Has she given up on them? Should I continue waiting?

[lovezebs]

Rob

It's hard to say.

I would give it more time. She might go back into the nest and lay a few more, then sit on the whole bunch.

[Rob]

Thanks lovezebs

Another hen laid one egg, then a second one a few days later and then sat, so I figured there was just a gap in eggs with this one. But it's been a while now.

Is there a max time period before eggs are no longer good?

[Icearstorm]

Rob

Most eggs last around a week without additional heat. After that, fertility declines rapidly.

[Rob]

Thanks Icearstorm

I saw her in the nest again finally this morning, not sure yet if it was to lay another egg or start incubating. Another one who has been sitting diligently was out this morning though, which had/has me concerned. This is so stressfull haha.

[Icearstorm]

Rob

It's good that she got back in the nest. I'm not sure about the other female; perhaps she was just getting a little exercise or another bite to eat.

[Rob]

Icearstorm

Yeah I think that's all it was. The two of them seem to require a lot of exercise, while a third hen almost never leaves the nest.

I'll continue to let them do their thing, because there's nothing else I can do other than provide them with a comfortable environment.