I hear from many disappointed families who bought Rhode Island Reds and Buff Orpingtons thinking the hens would raise chicks. Most of the commercial Reds Orpingtons and Rocks from hatcheries had the broodiness bred out of them. Dark Cornish, Cochins, Dorkings, and Brahma's still have the maternal instinct. I plan to write a poultry book this fall.
Hatcheries breed for egg production, and broodies do not lay eggs. If someone really wants a broody, I would suggest getting birds from a breeder, as it increases your chances for them to go broody. But every once in a while a Production Red will surprise you...............
