Looking for a good breed of hens to raise chicks?

[jrw870]

I am new to having chickens and don't know if RIR will sit.I have 9 Road island red that laying good and would like to raise chicks but don't know if they will sit.

 

[LRH97]

RIR's aren't the best setters. To hatch and raise chicks, I would go with a Silkie as my first choice, however if you're looking for a standard size hen, I've had good experiences with Orpingtons, Australorps and Cochins as well.

 

[Jipus5]

For me, my RIR's WERE the ones to sit, and often! At least 2 of my 6 did. They were the best mothers I have had so far, set on eggs from other hens, raised them all up perfect! I also had an Austrolorp, a White Leghorn, 3 Red Sex Link, and 4 other RIR's to start with. As well as several kinds of Bantams, which she took their eggs and raised them as well!
Here was my lil Mama:


It could be per hen type thing...I have another pal whose RIR's set well for her, and yet another dude says he never relies on his so hopefully they will.
Also my Seabright Bantam has gone broody more than her and Lil Mama went broody for me 4 times a year...

 

[farmgirl02]

Australorp chickens are good sitters and hatchers, and so are Silkies.