Need a multi-hen broody jail

[rosiesgirls]

I have FIVE broody hens and five nest boxes. In the past, I’ve had one or two go broody at the same time and I’ve simply removed any eggs they’re setting on daily and let them be. Usually, they don’t stay broody long and we all just do our thing.

This year, there are five of them and they’re being very persistent. Going on two weeks now. (They will get out of the boxes periodically to eat, but not when I’m around!)

The rest of the flock (15 hens, total) just squeeze in the the broodies to lay their eggs, which isn’t helping, as the broody ones keep having eggs to set!

My problem is that I don’t have enough room inside my coop for a bunch of dog crates and I don’t know how else to create a jail that will create the correct environment for breaking their broodiness while keeping them safe from predators. It’s almost near impossible to get them out of the boxes because of the way my coop is built; the nest boxes are below a big poop board, under the roosts, and the back of the boxes only have a short opening where the eggs roll out for collection. (Usually)

I’m really at a loss here and could use your help. It’s a real battle every day to try to get the eggs out from under them. They’re mean! I know they’re just trying to be good mommas, but this is too much.

Does anyone have pictures of something they built for multiple hens?

 

[50-45-1]

I suggest you break your hens broodyness. The best way is to get them outside. I use a dog kennel and remove the bottom tray. Set the cage in the grass and force the hen to be outside in the fresh air and daylight. Food and water avaliable.
Be mindful of the temp and sun and placement, so your hen has some shade.
Repeat this every day. My hens sometimes take a week or so before finally giving up and getting over it.

 

[rosiesgirls]

This isn’t a bad idea, thank you. My problem with this is that my rooster is SUPER protective and will attack me for bothering the hens…even if I’m giving them treats! I really need to find a solution that doesn’t include taking them in and out of the enclosure twice a day….they're self sufficient (with the exception of replenishing food and water supplies) because I have zero time for chicken wrangling. Thanks for the suggestion, though.