Non broody breeds

[Barnycat]

Since I now live within city limits I can only have 6 hens, and no rooster. Sadly I just rehomed my black copper marans because she is relentless in her broodiness. I would love suggestions for breeds that have little brooding tendencies. I want a nice variety of egg colors, so I really miss that lovely dark brown egg in my basket! Thank you for helping me.

 

[centrarchid]

Mediterranean type chickens are the ones I look at for less broodiness. Leghorn is the flagship but there are several others.

Link below is the only one I could find easily that not trying to sell something.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chicken_breeds_recognized_by_the_American_Poultry_Association

 

[BaaKaaawk]

You know you can break a broody pretty easily if you want to. You just need to cool her off. Lots of posts on how to do it for future reference so you don't have to give away your hen.

All breeds will go broody of course- or else their breed wouldn't exist- but many online hatcheries will put a broodiness rating on the breeds you can see.

 

[Egg Snatcher]

If you want colored eggs you can get Easter Eggers, Americanas, Olive Eggers, Or Rainbow Layers. The larger breeds don't go as broody as bantams.

 

[Folly's place]

Another Marans hen might never be broody, it's so individual. How about a Welsummer? Also fairly dark eggs, and sometimes broody.
Mary

 

[Egg Snatcher]

I have wred somewhere naked necks don't go broody, they lay brown eggs. You may not like them because of there naked necks. I have6 of them. I can send you pic of them if you would like.

 

[Alyssa-Bee]

I personally like broody hens better than some other breeds. All the broodies seem to be friendlier! (Until you try to remove their nest of hidden, rotten eggs!)

 

[Barnycat]

Thank you all for your help. I’ve kept chickens for 40+ years, but always out in the country where I could keep as many as I like. Broodiness was not a problem there. It was in fact fun! But having no rooster & a limit of 6 hens makes it a bit of a problem. I tried everything to break her broodiness but she was SO persistent. I know any hen might go broody, but I want the best chance, so that’s why I asked for suggestions. After researching I think I’ll get a welsummer and a blue leghorn to round out my flock. Again, thank you.

 

[Barnycat]

If you want colored eggs you can get Easter Eggers, Americanas, Olive Eggers, Or Rainbow Layers. The larger breeds don't go as broody as bantams.

Yes, I have an Americana and an Olive egger. Both are such nice, personable, friendly hens. Both will land on my arm when I bring treats. Thank you!

 

[Barnycat]

Another Marans hen might never be broody, it's so individual. How about a Welsummer? Also fairly dark eggs, and sometimes broody.
Mary

Thank you! I plan on adding Wellsummer!