Bob Blosl's Heritage Large Fowl Thread

[Yellow House Farm]

Remember not to generalize, because there are differences in lines within a breed. Duane Urch told me that he did not want broody Dorkings, so selected against it. Craig Russell selects for broodiness. In my experience, Dorkings from McMurray's are not broody. Sand Hill's are very broody. Dorkings from other sources vary in their desire to go broody. About 50% of my Dorkings will go broody. Those also have a tendency to hide their nests if free ranging. I've only had one hen quit a nest, that was when I attempted to move her nest into the coop.

It's generally assumed that hatcheries select against broodiness. Our strain, not from a big hatchery line, is reliable as any game.

 

[3riverschick]

HUGE CONGRATS
ON PAGE 1000 !!

Quite an accomplishment in a couple of years!

 

[rodriguezpoultry]

There is one thing about your statement Yellow House. Generally speaking, after the first year, the birds used in hatcheries are "all in all out." So every, say 18 months, the birds are completely removed from production and new ones are brought in.
That's hardly enough time to tell which birds will be broody and which ones won't be. Most of mine will begin to go broody around their second year. Most all of my Brahmas, Orpingtons and Production Reds went broody when I bought from hatcheries. You just never can tell.

Silkies...nope. I can't get the things to live longer than a few weeks with me much less try and raise a brood.

 

[Yellow House Farm]

You had production reds go broody? I suppose, all tings are possible. I've had Anconas go broody. I hear what you're saying, but I'd argue that 18 months should be enough time to see what' going to go broody in a reliable way. Hvaing said that I've had hatchery birds that do go broody.

I guess it just comes down again to it's really about the strain more than the breed per se.

 

[Yellow House Farm]

A moment to admit that I recognize that I'm a horrible typer......

How are your Langshans for broodiness?

 

[sgribble]

I would guess you contacted Matt and Steve(sgribble) too on this matter, Chris?

Matt seems to be in the know of the NH world.

Jeff

David Johnston would be the best to try if you can get him to answer the phone.....lol
Leave a message and keep calling during the evening..

 

[rodriguezpoultry]

A moment to admit that I recognize that I'm a horrible typer......

How are your Langshans for broodiness?

I currently have 2 bantams broody at the moment. 4 of them went broody earlier this year. It's nice to have when you have eggs that just won't hatch! (Speckled Sussex bantams)

 

[rodriguezpoultry]

You had production reds go broody? I suppose, all tings are possible. I've had Anconas go broody. I hear what you're saying, but I'd argue that 18 months should be enough time to see what' going to go broody in a reliable way. Hvaing said that I've had hatchery birds that do go broody.

I guess it just comes down again to it's really about the strain more than the breed per se.

Oh yes! My best was a Light Brahma hen. The Production Red did go broody and gave me 6 chick out of 8 eggs. Had her trained to greet with a certain tone. Really fun little bird.

 

[Arielle]

There is one thing about your statement Yellow House. Generally speaking, after the first year, the birds used in hatcheries are "all in all out." So every, say 18 months, the birds are completely removed from production and new ones are brought in.
That's hardly enough time to tell which birds will be broody and which ones won't be. Most of mine will begin to go broody around their second year. Most all of my Brahmas, Orpingtons and Production Reds went broody when I bought from hatcheries. You just never can tell.

Silkies...nope. I can't get the things to live longer than a few weeks with me much less try and raise a brood.

My first group of chickens were pullets from McMurray. I wanted pretty layers. I didn't want broodies. Out of the 5 breeds only a couple individuals have gone broody. A black astraulorp. THen I bought other hatcher birds, from Meyers. A buff orpington went broody. THe following year two half- easter eggers that were missing came home with chicks in tow. OTherwise only a second black australorp and a dedicated muscovy hen have gone broody. IMHO I do think hatheries can select for non-broody as all these girls were very young, all less than a year old. One was just 8 months when she sat and wouldn't budge. Just adding my experience.

 

[3riverschick]

Oh yes! My best was a Light Brahma hen. The Production Red did go broody and gave me 6 chick out of 8 eggs. Had her trained to greet with a certain tone. Really fun little bird.

I bought a DVD on clicker training your chickens on eBay. Sounds like fun. I may try it with some of this Springs' chicks!
Karen