How large should breeding pens be for 3 Wyandotte hens and a rooster

[chicks for better health]

I am considering to separate 3 Wyandotte hens and a rooster to start a breeding program. I have a few questions.

How large should the pen be?

Is 3 hens to 1 rooster to much or should I keep it as a threesome?

How long should I wait before taking eggs to incubate to ensure this rooster will be the father?

 

[WestKnollAmy]

I always make a larger pen for my breeding flocks. The hens sometimes aren't in the mood and I like for them to give the roo a bit of a run for his money.
And happy chickens breed better so I always put a quad in a 10X10 tractor. And I have often had just one hen and roo together as a breeding pair for many months. They usually get along well. If my roo is too rough for one hen I will try to place him with more hens but so far there has only been one that was that bad. Roos do like to have at least 10 hens. Makes them proud.
If your hens have been with another roo before this fella then wait at least 3 weeks before collecting the eggs to hatch. I also don't hatch out eggs from first season pullets because the chicks seem to be a bit smaller. I have one little fella now that my DD slipped his egg into a hatch and he is a cute little bugger but just really small considering his parents.
Good luck!

 

[KellyHM]

You want at least 8-10 square feet per chicken for your run and 4-5 s.f. per chicken for your coop. My breeder pens are about 30 s.f. each, but I have 3-4 bantams in each, so they have plenty of room. 3 hens to 1 roo sounds like a good ratio. As said before, wait 3 weeks to make sure the new roo is their daddy.