Modern Bantam Hatching Advice~

[Delaneygraces]

Hello! I’ll get right to the point. I have Modern Bantams, but the hens are terrible mothers, who, if they possibly do hatch a chick or two, don’t take good care of them. Personally, I don’t like hatching moderns in incubators, because I’ve had problems in the past only with them.
So I’ve decided to get a better sitting Hen, to hatch my eggs for me. I’ve narrowed it down to either a Silkie or a Cochin Bantam.
A large part of this is I want to be able to show this Hen when she’s not raising chicks. I was wondering if anyone has Moderns, and what you do for incubation?
Thanks!

 

[JaeG]

I have no experience with Moderns but my Old English Game bantams have always been fabulous sitters and mothers.

 

[Delaneygraces]

I have no experience with Moderns but my Old English Game bantams have always been fabulous sitters and mothers.

Ahh, see I’ve had a few Old English Bantams, and they were great moms!! But the Moderns just don’t seem to be good at it!

 

[sylviethecochin]

I love my bantam cochins, but they aren't good mothers unless it's too cold for them to set again. If it's warm, they're setting again long before it's time for the chicks to be weaned (four weeks.) I personally don't like silkies, in looks or temperament, but you can't beat them as mothers.

(Personal opinion, Silkie people. I know you guys love 'em.)

EDT: I too have had a lot of good OEGB little mamas. They're good girls. My best setter used to cover fourteen eggs at a time. My best mother (avatar's full sister) raises two batches of eight a year. I recommend them if you can get them.

 

[WVduckchick]

I would also throw a vote for OEGBs! They are definitely my best broody mommas.

My bantam cochins have done well too, and can cover a few more eggs. My seramas have been good mommas also, but they also wean pretty quickly.