Breeding area and clipping wing feathers

[R2elk]

Now my only concern is one of the chocolate hens trying to fly in and getting stuck in the "roof" netting.

When one of my hens or a wild hen lands on the netting, I use a board to herd them off from below.

 

[vawolfmom]

how long after they breed and start laying eggs should the toms be removed? We just got our first "nest" with 2 eggs in it. Hoping it is a trend.

 

[R2elk]

how long after they breed and start laying eggs should the toms be removed? We just got our first "nest" with 2 eggs in it. Hoping it is a trend.

If the hen has a nest, the tom should not have access to the nest. One way to do so is to make a pen around the nest with an opening that the hen can get through but small enough that the tom cannot get through.

Toms will take a hen sitting on her nest as an invitation to breed. The unwaanted breeding attempts can cause broken eggs and/or an injured hen. In the worst case, the hen may be killed.

 

[vawolfmom]

If the hen has a nest, the tom should not have access to the nest. One way to do so is to make a pen around the nest with an opening that the hen can get through but small enough that the tom cannot get through.

Toms will take a hen sitting on her nest as an invitation to breed. The unwaanted breeding atte3mpts can cause broken eggs and/or an injured hen. In the worst case, the hen may be killed.

thank you!

 

[SarahGfa]

Yes, 2x4 welded wire with a predator apron 2' up fencing and 2' on ground out from fence. The netting is about a foot from top of fence, I added steel cable around fence at that height and attached it all there with hog rings to even out pressure on fence. That small of pens get pecked/scratched bare fast so yes, I use straw if it gets muddy during breeding season to keep help keep nest clean. A pic of a larger pen 100'x 50' you can see how I attached netting.View attachment 3423815

@Huntmaster I don't have much building experience, so I am sorry if this is a dumb question. Are you using tall green flagpoles way in the back to hold up the netting?