By the fourth year they can be expected to produce five to nine eggs each year. This could result in more eggs than one peahen can incubate. A peahen can incubate up to 10 eggs. In the event of extra eggs it would be necessary to use artificial incubation, or a broody turkey hen might be used as a foster mother. Both peahens and turkeys make good mothers.
Thick shrubbery makes a suitable place for nesting.
Some growers, however, choose to confine the peahens to a pen or yard during the egg laying period in the spring and early summer. Incubation and Brooding The incubation period for peahen eggs is from 28-30 days. The simplest method is to allow peahens to incubate their own eggs. As mentioned earlier, a broody turkey hen also will do a good job. Many younger hens do not set well in confinement.