Problems with hen not wanted to finish out brooding process

[Lobzi]

Has anyone ever had a problem with a hen who was over two weeks into the brooding process leaving the nest and refusing to return? Mine did yesterday. I could tell she was reluctant to sit back on the nest. I finally put her in the box but she put up such a fuss. I had to barricade her in the box and check on her frequently. She is back to normal brooding state...the zoned out state. I am wondering if anyone else ever experienced this. Im hoping to get some specially babies from this hatch so I really want her to complete it. I dont have a brooder or I would just take the eggs and finish hatching them myself.

 

[Freebie]

I have had hens leave the nest for what I think is quite some time. they eat, drink, poo, dust bathe, hang out with their buddies, and then eventually went back on their own. I had one leave her nest and go sit on the new eggs someone laid a few feet from her. I guess I was just lucky. she hatched out her one egg just fine.

 

[sourland]

Check and make sure that the nest is not infested with mites. Heavy mite infestation can cause a hen to abandon the nest.

 

[Lobzi]

I did clean her nest while she was out. I could not get her to eat even a meal worm which is a favorite treat. She acted uninterested in the other chickens and just stood in one place sort of hunkered down, fluffed and eyes wanting to close. She really did not appear to feel well. I just want this hatch to finish so bad. I hope she is feeling better today.

 

[Lobzi]

She must be feeling better today. I was able to take the barrier away and she is WANTING to stay on the nest. Im much happier not having to barricade her in.