How to protect nesting hens in pen

[cmobley]

I have 2 separate hens wanting to nest. There are 2 separate pens both have hens and toms in them. Not sure how to block off the area they’re using in each pen where they can come and go but others won’t peck and jump on them while they’re sitting.

 

[R2elk]

I have 2 separate hens wanting to nest. There are 2 separate pens both have hens and toms in them. Not sure how to block off the area they’re using in each pen where they can come and go but others won’t peck and jump on them while they’re sitting.

Once the hens have been bred, the toms don't need to be in with them. They won't need bred again until after they have hatched their eggs if allowed to do so.

One method is to build a cage around the nest and make the entrance small enough that the toms cannot go through it but the hens can.

 

[cmobley]

Once the hens have been bred, the toms don't need to be in with them. They won't need bred again until after they have hatched their eggs if allowed to do so.

One method is to build a cage around the nest and make the entrance small enough that the toms cannot go through it but the hens can.

Awesome I really needed something else to do this weekend lol. And I knew that’s what you’d tell me but I was really hoping that’s not what you’d tell me.

 

[Molpet]

Quarter sheet of plywood against the wall

There's a solid metal crate against the bottom of the plywood out of sight.

 

[cmobley]

What about the other hens in the pens with them they were all laying in that one spot so I’m sure since it’s prime real estate they’re gonna pick at her and try to move her. Where I was before I had all my separate pens and didn’t have this issue but I haven’t gotten other pens up yet before they started sitting

 

[R2elk]

What about the other hens in the pens with them they were all laying in that one spot so I’m sure since it’s prime real estate they’re gonna pick at her and try to move her. Where I was before I had all my separate pens and didn’t have this issue but I haven’t gotten other pens up yet before they started sitting

It all depends on how dominant she is. If she is dominant enough she will keep the others out or she will share the nest.