Hens go broody when you don’t want them to… and won’t go broody when you do. 
Mwcrf450r
In the Brooder
I'd like to get a small flock of egg layers. I'd also like to play around with trying to breed to SOP but i don't know if that'd be feasible without a large flock? I assume getting good genetics to start would be a big plus, but im not looking to start with 50 birds. How many are suggested to start a small breeding operation where eggs(and probably meat from culls) are the primary goal, but if I'm able to look back after a few years and say "I've definitely improved this line since I got them" it'd be a fun/satisfying plus? Is it really feasible with a smaller flock? Say 7 or 8?
