Best Broody Hen

[killer_diller_chick]

This is a double ended question. I am planning on picking up acouple Cochin Bantams to use for broodies for my Delawares
Did I make the right choice?
Should I have picked a differant breed?
What has been most sucessfull for you all?

 

[lauralou]

I've heard good things about broody cochins. Not sure I'd pick a bantam, but that's probably because I'm used to BIG broody hens! LOL

I have 3 favorite broodies that I use all the time. A heritage Dominique, a Buff Orpington, and a big old mixed breed hen. All 3 of them are fabulous mommas.

I think it just depends on the hen, more than the breed in general. Sure, certain breeds are more likely to go broody than others, but there is no guarantee.

 

[Cackling Hen]

I think you picked a good breed all my 3 broody hens where bantams Cochin, Jap and My RIR and there 7 months old. Great mama so far has been the Jap Bantam

 

[davidb]

I always use game hens, most will set 3 or 4 times a year and they are real good mother hens

 

[Jennings Gamefowl]

Quote:
me two my grey hen just hatch her 4th batch of eggs...all 7 eggs hatch.. Game hens are just as good as silkies( which i have to to hatch the game eggs)...

 

[golden comets]

I like silkies,they will try to hatch air

 

[greenfamilyfarms]

The Cochin breed makes for great broodies, but size may be an issue. They can't incubate many eggs at a time. I would opt for a larger breed if available.

 

[Chickenaddict]

The last Bantam cochin hen I let raise chicks ended up sticking with them for over 3 months!!! She hatched out 5 seramas and a medium sized mixed breed chick .They are now 4 months old and still tend to roam around the yard with their mama. IMO Cochins make wonderful broodies.

 

[marlamiller]

Game hen here to they are fave good mothers.

 

[Junkmanme]

I have a Buff Orpington hen who is a GREAT "Broody" !!! Also a game hen that is good but not quite as good as the Big, Feathery, Buff Orpington because she can't cover as many eggs (smaller).

-Junkmanme-