Age to brood?

[foREVer]

At what age do most hens usually go broody? Mine are exactly 15 weeks old, and all of my roos started crowing a couple of weeks ago. We have to get rid of 6 - 7 males, so I am getting anxious for a hen to go broody, so we can get some more birds to replace them. Of course, breaking out the incubator is always an option, but I have never had much luck with it, and would like to try using a hen. (Out of 7 sets, 2 eggs hatched. 1 chick was 'special' and died after 4 days, and the other died over the winter)

I have:
3 game hens
2 silkie hens
4 d'Uccle hens
4 Barred Rock hens
5 Wyandotte hens

What breed(s) do you think will go broody first? (I am betting on the silkie or OEG, lol)

 

[Ken F]

I don't have experience with game hens or silkies, but I can tell you that 3 of my Wyandottes went broody for the first time at 7 months old. Since then two have each hatched 2 broods. My Barred Rocks are the same age and have never gone broody.

Good luck!