What is the best breed of chicken or cross to use as a broody

I hear silkies make are very good brooders and make good moms. And Buff Orpingtons.....Can't tell you from first hand experience though...

 

Try My Pet Chicken... they have Silkies and other bantams for like $3, plus $7 for genderizing...

 

Silkies are the best for broodies!!!!

 

My white LF Cochin – Blondie – just went broody a week ago. She is only 27 weeks old and has been laying eggs for about 6 weeks.

On August 12, 2009 I added to my flock from a BYC member. One of the bantam Cochins – 2 year old Ruby went broody that Friday August 14th. She is now raising two adorable chicks.

So…I vote Cochin.

 

Everyone knows that silkies are the broodiest chickens around.

 

Cochins, Silkies, Old English Games, and Orps are some of the top mothers.

 

OK strange question BUT going with the cross question,
We have a buff Orpington cockerell and a lemon, blue?? LF Cochin hen, both known for being broody, how would their offspring be if we let them cross " these would only be for our own use as natural incubators for other heritage breeds" Also with Silkies being exceptional as well would adding this to the mix later help??
As I have a future sizzle program in the works with some good quality silkies, and may use their offspring in the best brood momma cross as well.
Has any one done breeding for brooders
If this would work what formula for breeding would you suggest??
I do know in rodents aggression/ non aggression is proven genetic and that exceptional parenting appears to be as well is this true with chickens as well and if so which contributes to this? the roo or the hen??

 

Best mothers are american games PERIOD! They will die to protect their offspring. I have seen them fight dogs,cats,owls hawks weasels racoons, snakes, and you if you harm one of her biddies{.For you Yanks, thats southern speak for chicks} If you cross them into any breed they will increase the crossed bloodlines ability to resist disease, and make them more hardy all the way around. Try them, you will see what I mean. I tried it 40 years ago and have not looked back. It is not uncommon for them to sit, raise and wean two batches a season. I have also seen my friends give a new mother 50 biddies to raise and not lose a one!

 

M first pick is silkies from experience. Last year, my silkie Angel ( the one in my avatar photo) raised two sets of lit ones. She went broody again for the third time in November, so we didnt alllow her continue that clutch. that was all in her pullet year. Two of my three Buff Orps went broody twice last year. . . . .So far, Angel is already raising her second brood. Two of my Orps just "finished" with their broods, while the third Orp. completed her first brood and started sitting again earlier this week. . . . . .As for my cochins and Brahmas, my mommies yet out of them.