lock hens up?

[poultryaspets]

After my four hens have been bred. Should I put them in the barn away from the toms? Will the toms stop fighting?

 

[poultryaspets]

Anyone? Really want a successful hatch!

 

[ivan3]

I'd arrange a separate area for the toms. The hens have to have a safe area to nest. The hens won't go broody until they are satisfied with the number of eggs in nest (this could take 18-20 days) and will be out with the toms, when not actually laying an egg, until then. If not separated, after hens go broody, some toms will attempt to mate with brooding hen (haven't seen this, myself - have had a tom try to share, or appropriate the nest and set it). Our toms remain in run and quit most of their sparring after the hens go broody, and we just use a toddler/folding fence to separate. This also keeps newly hatched poults in place - for about a week - then they start flying.