Cuckoo marans - good mothers?

[Chuckleberry]

I have a 3 yr old cuckoo marans hen who goes broody 2 or 3 times every year. Next spring I would like to get her to hatch out some eggs, but I was wondering what sort of mother is likely be to the chicks. As my flock is entirely free-range, none of my chickens are aggressive but she is the most short-tempered of them all. Is this likely to mean that she will lose her temper with the chicks or will she be more protective of them? I would be grateful for any experience/info out there.

 

[debid]

I think people mistake normal pecking order behaviors as being "mean" or "short-tempered". Unless she draws blood, she's just defending her position. The higher in the order she is, the better for brooding chicks, IMO.

 

[Chuckleberry]

Thank you, that's a really encouraging thought. I shall certainly give her a go. She is a large bird, and should be able to cover eggs well, and I don't think she has ever harmed another chook.