Affordable, Effective Breeding Pens

[BrittonShowBirds]

Last year I came up with an idea for some large fowl breeding pens that were based off of one simple divider design, today I decided to try a 3 hole version on the same concept and worked really well. I think I am going to attempt a couple options for one stall pens off of this design and gauge interest in each of the 3 options of 1,2, and 3 hole designs and see if I can sell some in my area. All in all I am in under $160 on the 3 stall bantam pens so I feel there is good margin and good value to myself as well.

 

[Fluffyflufffluff]

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Last year I came up with an idea for some large fowl breeding pens that were based off of one simple divider design, today I decided to try a 3 hole version on the same concept and worked really well. I think I am going to attempt a couple options for one stall pens off of this design and gauge interest in each of the 3 options of 1,2, and 3 hole designs and see if I can sell some in my area. All in all I am in under $160 on the 3 stall bantam pens so I feel there is good margin and good value to myself as well.

Those look so good and neat seem very efficient and very easy to clean. I hope I can create one for my coop.

 

[Mtnboomer]

I only allow one rooster in the flock at a time and he has no problem spreading his seed.
If I had a need for more birds, the want is always there, then these would work awesome to let my cockerels add to the gene pool.

 

[Erba]

How does that actually work? I mean, is it too keep the roosters in or for the mating act?

 

[Mtnboomer]

How does that actually work? I mean, is it too keep the roosters in or for the mating act?

I would use it to mate specific birds. That way i can pick which rooster and which hens mate so that i know the parents of future generations and reduce inbreeding
Lock the birds together for about 2 weeks. She will be fertilized with his seed for 2-4 wks after breeding

 

[Erba]

That's a really good idea and practical. I was thinking I'd have to make a second coop and run for breeding. At the moment that is financially impossible for me. My pure light Sussex are still too young and although I think I have 2 pullets and two cockerels, time will tell me more. But I will definitely think about something like this, it's awesome!

 

[archeryrob]

I would use it to mate specific birds. That way i can pick which rooster and which hens mate so that i know the parents of future generations and reduce inbreeding
Lock the birds together for about 2 weeks. She will be fertilized with his seed for 2-4 wks after breeding

So you can pull the rooster, or switch him between pens and the previous hens keep laying fertilized eggs?

 

[Mtnboomer]

So you can pull the rooster, or switch him between pens and the previous hens keep laying fertilized eggs?

Yep. Once bred, a hen will lay fertilized eggs for 2-4wks. But it can take a hen a little warm up time especially with a new or unfamiliar rooster before she will mate.

So if you have a specific combination of hen and rooster you want to breed, isolate the hen from other roosters for a few weeks to ensure the genes from other roosters are no longer present. Then pen the hen up with desired rooster. Watch for mating. Once mated, you can repeat the process with another hen.

This is only necessary if you have multiple roosters and only want one to pass on genes. Obviously, if you keep only one rooster, he will mate with all the hens without any help from you. Be aware you may get that awkward "Daddy, what's that rooster doing to that poor hen?" question.

 

[aart]

But it can take a hen a little warm up time especially with a new or unfamiliar rooster before she will mate.

That's what I always wonder about, those pens are pretty small if birds don't 'get along'.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

today I decided to try a 3 hole version on the same concept and worked really well

Hi there, welcome to BYC!

Looks pretty good.

I too have been thinking about setting up some town houses or breeding condos... with the same basic concept as what you've got going... and likely offer alternating free range. The general idea is cutting cost by sharing walls... which I have done on a much larger scale in my pole barn and worked fantastically well!

I never ever have just one rooster. And I have multiple breeds and varieties... ALL with multiple roosters.. who occupy a stag pen until such time as I come a calling.

Main issue I see is the outside wire type... half inch hardware cloth would be better at preventing raccoon from ripping heads off, etc. Also in my area, a larger roof hangover would be hugely beneficial... for rain, sloping toward the back to drain away from the opening. It would also add shade for sunny locations. And... some sort of rot resistant bottom.

That's what I always wonder about, those pens are pretty small if birds don't 'get along'.

Sometimes in these instances... it really doesn't matter if the hen wants to mate or not... the stag will mate her right when she is put in... is what I've seen on you tube and such. It's much different than adding a cock to our flock that he then has to win over or decides to be a jerk to the ladies who aren't receptive to his affections. Much less ideal... but still a necessary tool for folks with lots of breeding goals.

Note.. metal roofs WILL condensate and drip on cold morning when the sun shines... making it possibly very wet in there NO matter how much ventilation you provide... consider insulating the metal roof or using the correct moisture barrier MIGHT be effective.