Breeding pen question

[KatyTheChickenLady]

Whew finally got them penned up, thought my tom was going to kill us before we did!
So, I have three hens each with a seperate pen/run & nest area, and one tom. Should I switch him hourly, daily, weekly??? I have seen him breed two of the hens, and suspect he has been breeding the third but not positive. And do I take him out once they start to set?

 

[SED]

I would change him out every 3-5 days. Once bred, the eggs should be fertile for about two weeks if I am not mistaken. Actually, if it were me, I would find two more toms and just have three breeding pairs for more diversity. But that's just me. What kind are they?

 

[Steve_of_sandspoultry]

I agree with SED move him every couple days. And yes I would take him out once the hens start to sit. Since breeding pens are smaller the tom will see the hen on the nest and try to mate her breaking eggs. Try to seperate your hens nests if you can so they won't nest hop. I have seen them go back and forth on the nests and sooner of later a nest ends up with nobody on it and the eggs get cold and die.

Steve

 

[KatyTheChickenLady]

thanks! the pens are pretty large for one bird and each have their own seperate nest that the others can't get to. I think I'll try every three days so he doesn't where them out to much.

I don't think I need three toms though, that's A LOT of extra feed when one can do what's needed. They are mixed heritage breeds.

I'll post a pic of the run later to get your opinions; here's the link to pics of my birds:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=449276