X Pen as nursery for new mom & peeps

[andalusn]

I am fast running out of stuff for hens that are hatching peeps

The first hen I have in a dog kennel and if all goes well the Cochin I have sitting on brabanter eggs will hatch them all out within the next few days.

Currently she is in the hen house in a dark corner and one chick has hatched sometime between yesterday evening and this morning. I checked her this afternoon and there it was and it looked dry. There are 3 more eggs under her. I am down to my dog X pen. Going to do the zip tie thing to apply more small square mesh and get it ready just in case I need to move her. My hen house is not really setup for little ones of any small size. Anyone else use an x pen? How did it work for you?

 

[CoopCrazy]

I just got done using my x pen for two roosters and will be converting it into a brooder soon.. I love x pens I have used them for quaratine and hospitals..

 

[andalusn]

For a full grown chicken little needs to be done but since this is for a mom w/tiny peeps I am zip tieing poultry mesh to it and still pondering the best "gate". Did you reinforce the over all base with anything or just leave as is when setting up?

 

[CoopCrazy]

I just left as is.. I would probably zip tie the chickebn wire all the way aroung except the door .. That way you have the door but can easily reach over to get the chicks or mommma you could also start your wire on the door and finish on the panel across from the door that way when you open the door its clear.. I hope that makes sense I did in my head ... LOL

 

[andalusn]

Taking a break from standing on my head (zip tie madness) and giving it a once over it's taking shape. I plan on moving the hen in maybe later today or tomorrow if no more peeps hatch.

 

[CoopCrazy]

Looks Great....

 

[debbie.h]

I have never seperated my hens. The mama hen always protects her biddies and the other hens (and rooster) learn to keep their distance. They tend to brood in the nesting box and about two days after the hatch, they venture outside. Mama will find a good spot for sleeping in a corner on the floor in the coop. I had to put dividers under the roost area (has a poop board) so there is a total of five "corners" for several mamas and biddies.