Incubator or broody hens?

[eaemnc]

I'm still trying to get the best egg layers breed. The list I have for Spring 2008 ordering is 16 Red Stars, 4 Ameraucanas, and 2 of each RIR, New Hampshire Red, and 2 Buff Orpingtons.
My question is for the last 3 I'm looking for broody hens for sitting eggs the following spring. I wasn't sure if I should even deal with that or use an incubator, or both just for the experience?
The info. I got said that the NHR was more for meat than eggs, the RIR is better for eggs than meat but the NHR was more broody as the RIR isn't broody at all.
Should I even get Orpingtons if New Hampshires are broody or do NHR's even have those characteristics any more?
I know the Orpingtons will be picked on most and I don't want to see that although I realize it's the natural pecking order. (shrug)
My meat birds will be the ultimate in meat birds (Freedom Rangers) I think I'll try a few of each: Red, Gray and a couple black.
I know I have lots of questions but the more I read and learn the better I will be at this and ready for Spring 2008.
Time moves so fast and Spring will be here before I know it. Plus I'll need to have plans ready for hubby as I'll be busy with the new baby come April or when ever he or she is born

and hubby and my older boys will be building Chicken Tractors, Brooders and completing the coop.

Thanks so much to you all,

Ann
New Ohio Chicken Owner come Spring 2008

 

[Poison Ivy]

I had a RIR pullet this year that went broody right after she started laying and I had to keep throwing her butt off the nest! I've had chickens for years and only had one RIR & one bantam that went broody on me.

 

[Tuffoldhen]

My choice for broody is Buff Orpingtons...I always get better hatches with a hen then an incubator...

 

[eaemnc]

Quote:
Thanks so much hugs.. to ya

that is quite helpful! I wasn't sure about hens breaking eggs as some posts I've read say. I think the hens are careful as they don't want to hurt their young.

Ann

 

[jimnjay]

Tuff is right, broody hens are the best incubators there are. Sometimes in the tussle of hens laying in the same nest as the broody eggs will get broken. Just move you broody to a nice private and quite spot and you will very rarely see any broken eggs. You hatch rate will be awesome if you wish she will do all the work of raising the chicks. It is a true joy to watch a mama teaching her chicks.