what breed makes the best broody hen?

[five is my dog]

I know that silkies, cochins, and buff orpingtons make very good broodys but is there another one? I was hoping to get a broody hen for the spring of next year.

 

[Whittni]

Any hen can go broody, mixes too. You can usually go out to any farm and get a $5 broody hen that doesn't lay eggs like that *snaps*.

Other good ones to look at are: Old English Game Bantams, Japanese Bantams, Rosecomb Bantams etc.

 

[five is my dog]

thank you!!

 

[hcsarg]

I have a BR that just came off the nest. SHE was on for 5 weeks and hatched 12 chicks, but only 6 survived. It was our first experience with a hatch. 2 of the chicks died from literally being pinned under other eggs in the clutch, one appeared to have been under develop, and the other 3 died within 48 hours of the hatch. The 6 survivors are in the brooder doing fine.
I was happy that she stayed on long enough to get my flock replenished but disappointed with losing half the hatch.

 

[five is my dog]

awww that's so sad

 

[CarolinaHen]

Silkie mixes are fantastic broodies. I have one that is worth her weight in gold.

 

[five is my dog]

cool that's what i'm getting !!!!! will she be on the nest like every morning? not that that would be bad

 

[CarolinaHen]

Mine are Silkie/Americana crosses. Agnes lays 6 days a week when she is not broody, and steals every egg she can get when she is broody. She is a fantastic girl

 

[five is my dog]

 

[peggyparker]

This is a slightly different question: I want a sustainable flock of 6-8 layers. My hens are all fine layers, Bantam and B.Orpinton mixes. I selected a newly hatched American Leghorn ROOSTER to join my flock after my own rooster died a few months ago.
Now I'm told that American Leghorns have had the "broody" gene bred out of them. Anyone heard this or can confirm otherwise? I was advised to get a cross, a Buff Orpinton or Banty rooster for sustainable flock replenishment for layers. I just want the eggs. Thank you!