Most Broody Breeds

[caj1985]

I want to improve my chances of having broody hens by diversifying my flock. I currently have NJG, SLW, EE, BR. What should I add to make sure I have broody hens for next year?

I have already added some Hamburgs this year which I am sure will not improve my chances. I can get silkies, Houdans, Sumatras, Faverolles, and Araucanas (not Americauanas) locally. Which of these will fit in with my current flock and make good mamas'? By the way, I also need breeds that will survive the Arkansas heat and humidity.

 

[caj1985]

bump

 

[BunsNChicks]

Silkies are good sitters but not sure how they will fair in heat and humidity. I have a Buff Orpington sitting on eggs right now. Cochins are also good about sitting.

 

[SkyeSchazade]

My Orpington is the only one of my girls to go broody so far, and from what I hear it's something they are known for. Hope this helps!

 

[caj1985]

Thanks! Sounds like I may need to consider a Buff Orpington.

 

[silkielover1731]

my cochin has never sat and my buffs never did either only my silkies

 

[caj1985]

How many standard fowl eggs can a silkie hatch? 3 or 4? Is there any other breed that is broody as silkies? I've never had any.

 

[FireTigeris]

Get a silky roo to cover your SLW- I have two Silky-GLW crosses that are always broody... she is large enough to cover about 8-12 eggs the pure silkies are smaller.

 

[RaeRae2]

http://www.ithaca.edu/staff/jhenderson/chooks/chooks.html

That is a pretty good chart detailing which breeds are non-setters, ocassionally broody, frequently broody, and so forth.

Brahmas, Orpingtons, Cochins, Marans, New Hampshire Reds....looks like there are some good options for getting some broody hens!

 

[caj1985]

Thanks, Fire and Rae. The silky cross sounds like a good idea. That link is great. I will have to save it to refer to whenever I am researching a breed.