New Hampshires-Are They Broody?

[speckledhen]

I've read conflicting information on this issue. Can anyone tell me about theirs or what they know? Thanks! I have picked up three of them, two to keep and one for a friend.

 

[bantyman]

I have had as many as 24 at a time and not a one of them never went broody They were 3 years old Gave my daughter some chicks out of them and she had 2 that did and they hatched and made an attempt to raise but all but 1 got killed by the other hens So I guess its a toss up They may not be the best broody hens on the face of the planet but lay and easy going they are good at that

 

[speckledhen]

Thanks for the information. Seems they may or may not be broody. I wont count on it, then.

 

[Katy]

I don't have any anymore, but when I did I can't remember one ever going broody.

 

[speckledhen]

Thanks, Katy! bantyman, I just realized that we're neighbors. I'm in Mineral Bluff.

 

[skeeter9]

I got 3 NH Reds about 2 months ago! One of them turned out to be a cockerel, so I rehomed him. So far I really love mine. They are very calm and sweet and their color is beautiful! Sorry I can't help you with your broodiness question, but I'll bet you'll love them, Cyn!

Lori

 

[speckledhen]

Thanks, Lori! Didn't know you'd gotten any of them. They are so sweet, but at this age, almost indistinguishable from the Buff Orpingtons in color (4 days old).

 

[bantyman]

Hey Cynthia
Yeah guess we are Im actually in Epworth behind Abernathys When I tell people Epworth they get a very confused look on their face so I say Blue Ridge Maybe some day in time I can meet your birds and say hi to you while Im there

Mike

 

[speckledhen]

Cool! I know Abernathy's. Hope to meet you some day soon.

 

[Eggseronious]

As each generation passes the broodiness of our flock is diminished.

We have "failed the old mother hen"!

She never has the the time to graze and do as she pleases, we "steal" her eggs and cram them in an incubator! They hatch and are grown up without a mother! Without adults leading and teaching them She has never drank from a clear stream or a spring! She has been in jail most of her life and has no desire to do anything! We take all these things away from her and question her broodiness...... How many generations will it take to get back to the basics of the Old Mother Hen?