Best broody breed?

[Inkheart]

I have to say you cant find a more broody hen than a large fowl cochin - i have several that will go broody with chicks in tow and you will find them on the nest with their chicks sitting on top of them .....

 

[sunnysongbird]

silkies are great broody mothers

 

[brownysfp]

Can't complain about our Coucous for brooding. One goes then two or three others follow suit - not the best of all mothers though. They'll happily sit on any eggs put under them and, if you can stop them trying to thieve from each other, will bring them to term. Top Mum has been ringed, she's a good fosterer too.

 

[6chickens in St. Charles]

When all else fails, there's the lingering thread of preteen kids hatching Trader Joe's eggs by wearing them in underwire bras for 21 days...............

 

[Karrie13]

Quote:
This is VERY true! I haven't had a silkie egg in weeks, 6 of my girls are boody! I have had a heck of a time with them this summer. I let two raise some babies but as soon as the chicks were 4 weeks old they went broody again.

 

[bandbaustin]

silkies are notorious for going broody, I also have Kraeinkoppes which are a very broody breed as well. Not as common of a breed that is kept buT I love my pair. She is sitting on some eggs right now

 

[MetalSmitten]

i've also heard good things about the cochins for broody mommas

i actually acquired 3 this past season for just that reason, but they aren't full grown yet so i can't speak from experience yet.

ETA: plus they're absolutely adorable, and pretty mellow and docile.

 

[justtoni44]

At my house they make thier own decision..............
All of my marans went broody, then the Delaware.....
now have 5...Amerecauna(sp),BCM,Astrolorp,cuckoo marans,Slw....2 are sharing a nest.......
The BCM and Astrolorp are on thier second clutch.......
I don't know

.they never consult me before getting broody and I am certain none of my chickens have read the books on breeds..
I can't figure out what breed is the best to brood.just which chicken............

 

[Illia]

Everyone is going to say either Silkies, Cochins, or a breed they're familiar with.


The most reliable without a doubt are American Gamefowl, with Araucanas, Silkies, Cochins, and Oriental Gamefowl not far behind.

After that are any truly heritage bred breeds. Since hatcheries breed out the broodiness you won't find it as often, but heritage birds are occasionally to frequently broody.

 

[Farmerboy16]

Thanks everyone for your suggestions!