How long will fertalised eggs last

[chicken lodge]

Hi EveryoneWe have had a chicken sitting on some eggs for the last 2 weeks, and as we have a cockerell was hopping to have some chicks.
But overnight she has left the nest, and this is the second time this has happened over the last couple of months, we dont know if she has been frightened off, or what is happening.We have also lost 5 chickens over the same amount of time, and we belive that a fox might be taking them, but we have not seen one, but everyone know what sly devils they are. All our chicken are free range with a huge garden to play in, by the way.
We have brought an incubator, and this morning i moved the eggs to the incubator, and turned it on, but the eggs were cold so can someone tell me if they are now dead and no chicks will hatch.
I am keeping my fingers crossed, that someone might be able advise.

Many thanks

 

[tygrysek75]

The best way to see is to candle the eggs,but wait until the eggs got warm as embrios stop moving when cold.It is possible that they are alive.

 

[chicken lodge]

I am pleased and thrilled to announce the save arrival of 2 chicks at the moment, and keeping fingers crossed for the others after posting the last question on the eggs.
We are new to this so any tips or avice on my new arrivals will be greatly recieved.

 

[Marigold]

When your broody is on her eggs, does she have a safe coop and little run all to herself? If you think she may have been frightened off, maybe next time she has a clutch to hatch, you could make her feel safer in her own space, free from fear of fox attacks?
I'm so glad the eggs were still OK and that the chicks are hatching - please let us know how many you get.

 

[ncotb]

Good news 08 glad to hear you have a couple of chicks.