Best Egg Hatching Hens

[MrPepers]

Does anyone know what breed gets broody the most and makes the best mother? I know buff orpingtons, barred rocks, and silkies are a few good ones, but I was wondering which breed is the BEST.

 

[chicks are life]

There is no "good" breed for the best mom it just depends on thee mom itself.
Ex:
I have 3 Cochin all have goon broody once
Cochin 1: steps on babies and tramples them
Cochin 2: loving mom and very dedicated took in chicks from Cochin 1
Cochin 3: skittish but shared babies with my oegb

Frequent broody:
Cochin
Wilkie
Orpington
Australorp
Bantams in general
Plymouth rocks

I really liked my oegb that went broody her name is speckles and she was a FIERCE mom she proted and stood up to any been that got in her way plus she is a bantam so she could watch her feet better then the giant Cochin's could

 

[Lady of McCamley]

Overall, it is hard to beat a good Silkie. They will be the most broody and generally the best mother.

However, just as with people, some are good at something while others aren't. It will always depend upon the individual bird.

But your chances are much greater with a Silkie.

You can often get a good brooding hen from a Silkie breeder. They usually have a 2 or 3 year old girl that is a proven mother but do not need anymore. There are only so many brooding hens you can keep, and if this girl is imperfect in coloring or overall appearance (but in good health...just not show standard), you can get a good deal as well.

I have found 2 faithful mothers that way.

My next choice is bantam Cochin. I went to a farm and purchased from a line that the owner was using to hatch turkey eggs. (Yes, turkey eggs.) These 2 girls were pullets from a very, very broody mother. Both proved to be good mothers.

LofMc