When a hen ceases incubation of her eggs before they hatch, the developmental process within those eggs halts. The viability of the embryos decreases over time, and they will eventually perish. External factors like temperature fluctuations and potential bacterial contamination further accelerate the deterioration process.
Understanding the fate of unattended eggs is crucial for poultry farmers aiming to maximize hatch rates. Abandonment can stem from various factors, including environmental stress, disease, or inexperience, especially among first-time mothers. Historically, farmers have monitored nests closely to intervene when abandonment occurs, utilizing incubators to salvage potentially viable eggs.