looking for excellent broody breed

[Vickir73]

I'd like to add a couple of broodies to my flock. Lavender Orphingtons? (sp?) I thought I had a barred rock who was going to be broody, but after about a week she stopped. I know the kids would love to see a momma with some babies. Is there a breed (or two) that are really good to use? When I bought my original flock I specifically looked for (1) heat hardiness and (2) non-broody, so none of my girls are really interested in hatching anything out. Thanks!!

 

[HEChicken]

Silkies and Cochins are generally considered to be the best broodies but Orpingtons have a great rep too. If you go to the Breeds database, you can sort by any of the columns. When you sort by the broody column it will list which ones have the greatest tendency to brood and you can then look through their other characteristics to see which appeal the most.

 

[aShMaNv]

Cochins!!!

I have a couple of banty cochins and I can slip a few eggs underneath them and thats it. My job is done. The hen takes care of the rest. Silkies are good as well.

 

[little blue]

all our orps go broody we have a white,blue,2 buffs an 2 lavender's broody right now so lavs will go broody we have found that they all seem to be good moms.

 

[The Burg Peeps]

Silkies and Cochin are both used for brooding purposes. They both will sit on eggs... even if they aren't their own. If you want a standard size breed I would go with Cochin. Silkies are Bantam so they may get picked on if all your other chickens are standards.
Have Fun!

 

[Judy]

My choice is Kraienkoppe -- friendly and easily handled, excellent mamas as well as setters, will share mama duties, about the size of a Leghorn so not a huge amount of feed consumption.

http://www.themodernhomestead.us/article/Broody-Hens-1.html

 

[coldupnorth]

My orpingtons are great broodies. Take their job seriously

 

[Vickir73]

ddawn, thanks for the link. Great article!

 

[Sparklee]

 

[serendipity22]

NOTHING on my farm goes broody more than my Marans... NOTHING!!!