Convince me i need silkies

[Iluveggers]

But those are definitely the most important traits, a bird that goes broody really easily. The other traits I have listed them from most to least important (apart from hardiness, but that I also clarify it with free ranging ability as they won't be able to survive for long)

I would suggest a bantam variety. Most bantams go broody fairly easily, and often do well ranging because they are small and can fly/move quickly.

 

[JacinLarkwell]

Pheonixes for me are the most broody and great at being rlfree ranges they bred like rats last year in my barn

 

[fluffycrow]

I would suggest a bantam variety. Most bantams go broody fairly easily, and often do well ranging because they are small and can fly/move quickly.

I agree, a bantam would be best, but bantam is a vague term. I was thinking phoenix maybe, they go broody, great flyers, stay small, and are generally considered wild-ish. I think @JacinLarkwell has some, but not too sure,I would like to hear their experience

 

[fluffycrow]

Pheonixes for me are the most broody and great at being rlfree ranges they bred like rats last year in my barn

Oh look at that just as I was writing my post!

 

[JacinLarkwell]

Oh look at that just as I was writing my post!

I agree, a bantam would be best, but bantam is a vague term. I was thinking phoenix maybe, they go broody, great flyers, stay small, and are generally considered wild-ish. I think @JacinLarkwell has some, but not too sure,I would like to hear their experience

Mine are standards though and not friendly at all (except the cull). That's part of what makes them good free rangers. Let them do their thing, don't be trying to make them pets

 

[fluffycrow]

Mine are standards though and not friendly at all (except the cull). That's part of what makes them good free rangers. Let them do their thing, don't be trying to make them pets

Oh no I have no desire to make them pets, I have been free ranging for years so I know what makes a good free ranger I only want them to not be aggressive/territorial with my other free rangers

What's your experience with them, do they mature quicker than the average bird?

 

[fluffycrow]

Mine are standards though and not friendly at all (except the cull). That's part of what makes them good free rangers. Let them do their thing, don't be trying to make them pets

Also this is totally random, but I love the new profile picture!

 

[ChickenCanoe]

It's really interesting how some people's experience with silkies is that they're relatively smart, can free range, don't need extra care etc and the other side says that they're a free meal for predators, sort of like a very demanding ball of fluff. If you don't mind me asking, what kind of extra care besides a trim and nail care would they require?

They require electric fencing to deter terrestrial predators. Silkies aren't wary enough on their own to avoid much of anything. Detecting predators - I would put silkies at the bottom of the list of breeds in that regard.
Most breeds of chickens are good at foraging just some are better than others at providing some of their sustenance doing so. Being able to survive while free ranging is where the electric fencing come into play. Hawks are another matter all together. That is when you need a fairly large, agile and alert breed rooster with the flock, like a Mediterranean breed.
Bantam cochins are a reliable broody also.

 

[JacinLarkwell]

What's your experience with them, do they mature quicker than the average bird?

No. They take the same amount of time as any other bird. Males tend to start growing their tails at 3+ months, they usually lay by fall if they're hatched in spring

 

[fluffycrow]

They require electric fencing to deter terrestrial predators. Silkies aren't wary enough on their own to avoid much of anything. Detecting predators - I would put silkies at the bottom of the list of breeds in that regard.
Most breeds of chickens are good at foraging just some are better than others at providing some of their sustenance doing so. Being able to survive while free ranging is where the electric fencing come into play. Hawks are another matter all together. That is when you need a fairly large, agile and alert breed rooster with the flock, like a Mediterranean breed.
Bantam cochins are a reliable broody also.

Would you say Cochins or phoenix as @JacinLarkwell would be better option for what I need? Well actually let me rephrase that question because we know for a fact those two breeds are better at free ranging. Would you say those two breeds tend to go broody about as often as silkies?