Please recommend a breed that makes excellent mothers!

[greenfamilyfarms]

My list of the top 3, and I have experience raising all 3:
1. Silkie - small, but are dedicated broodies and mothers. Since they are small, they do need more protection from predators than large breed chickens.
2. Games - fiercely protective of their chicks. As I kid I had many scratch marks on my face and hands from playing with game chicks.
3. Cochins - bantam or large fowl. They are similar to silkies, but I found they could take care of more chicks successfully.

 

[Chris09]

Quote:
I agree game hens are the best mothers you will ever have.
My American game hens start hatching chicks out about March (with snow on the ground) and they don't stop till around October. Even with chicks being hatched with snow on the ground I only lose 1 out of 30 chicks and have nearly a 98% hatch.

predators during the day time, such as our barn cats.

We have 4 mean barn cats that fend for there own food and they don't dare try to get near a hatch of game biddies and the mother. LOL I have never seen a cat run so fast as on running from a ticked off game hen with biddies..

Chris​

 

[encorepistol]

Quote:
I agree game hens are the best mothers you will ever have.
My American game hens start hatching chicks out about March (with snow on the ground) and they don't stop till around October. Even with chicks being hatched with snow on the ground I only lose 1 out of 30 chicks and have nearly a 98% hatch.

predators during the day time, such as our barn cats.

We have 4 mean barn cats that fend for there own food and they don't dare try to get near a hatch of game biddies and the mother. LOL I have never seen a cat run so fast as on running from a ticked off game hen with biddies..

Chris​

Exactly!!!

 

[FireTigeris]

Silkie crosses -crossed to anything LF and also broody-

I have three blood sisters that are Silkie X GLW who are all very protective, have scene and broody like crazy...

 

[orientphoenix]

game birds or other oriental game fowls

 

[FireTigeris]

Oh I know a silkie * Game cross!!! that would be awesome!!!

 

[bishopschickens]

Silkies, gamefowl, and cochins are our top 3.

Brandon

 

[chickened]

Silkies are notoriously broody but LF game hens are handsdown the most protective.

 

[Cowgirl71]

Thanks so much for all the info!

Please keep the suggestions and info coming!

I've been reading up on all the breeds suggested. One thing I want to mention is that I don't want to spend a fortune, LOL. I already have Orpingtons, but have never tried letting them raise the chicks. What do you think are the chances that the majority of the chicks will survive if I let them stay with momma while she free ranges? I know Orpingtons are known to be some of the most docile chickens...

I can also easily and cheaply get some OEGBs of a good broody strain. How do OEGBs compare to LF OEGs? Do the banty hens have a harder time protecting their babies?

The only place I know of to get Standard Old English Games is Cackle Hatchery. They want $40 per 5 chicks, plus shipping, which is really quite expensive, I think. But it sounds like they may be worth it. Anyone know of a cheaper place? I also don't know of a place to get American Games and Key West chickens?

Also, can LF Old English and American Game hens be kept in a mixed flock? Or are they just too mean all the time?

Sorry for all the questions, just trying to learn.

 

[Cowgirl71]

Anyone?