what is the best setting hen

[SPRING CREEK FARM]

I would not order silkies; I would try to get some from a person in your local area. Try craigslist and local sales network, and why not here on BYC? I have met several wonderful people here on this site and I found them by either looking for something in particular, like silkies for instance, or by selling some of my own chickens. That way, you can see them and their surroundings before you buy.

 

[littlered]

is thereanyonein the glen allen/montpiler virginia areatrying to sell anyof thesehens?

 

[burquechick]

My best is a little mixed bantam. She goes broody every year WITHOUT eggs! After that, I've had two BLRWs go broody on me this summer as well (just got them last May) and if they go broody again next year, I promised not to eat them!

 

[dieselgrl48]

Silkie,Cochin bantam's,Belgian Quail D'.I have some other good broody mama's a NN,Frizzle's A few Jersey Giant hen's also.Think my One laying silkie may be broody now will check her again tomm.She has one egg in nest because I been getting them up but she stayed in nest all eve today and got's the bwaaaaaakkk'sss when I went in there this eve to see where she was.I will give her a few more egg's from the OE and Sumatra if she is will see.My standard frizzle/cochin's should be laying soon too first time with them so will see how the girl's do with egg's..Polish baaaaaa never had a broody but loved them and most of the OE's I did not have in past No broody.Trying to hatch some OEGB from the girl's now first 2 of 3 have died since yest. More are coming but.They so darn small gonna change some stuff tomm. hope can get some going.

 

[littlered]

thanks for all the help im gonna try to find a few of these hens so i can get started on getting these eggs hatched

thanks all
littlered

 

[aprophet]

Quote:
I am in the tidewater area of Va there are some really nice folks in Gloucester they all have silkies they are usually on the PCOV board

 

[MythranCedars]

I know you want a serious answer. But it is true, it's the one that will sit. Sometimes you have to wait and see. You want a very protective hen that will peck and bit at your hand when you check the eggs under her. I've had silkies, black australops, and banty crosses sit. The banty was the best. She had to be tough in my neighborhood. She needs a nest away from the others and by herself. She won't eat or drink while she's setting. So, I use to feed her chicken grain soaked in water. When she would peck at me, I would put a spoonful of wet grain in front of her and she would peck that instead. Surprise! She'd gooble down the food. I didn't feed her lots, just enough to sustain her. She needed the water, too. She will poop while sitting and I would have to clean that out. That was fine. It kept the eggs and nest clean.
A good setter will sit for the 3 weeks and then take excellent care of her chicks. 5 or 6 six eggs is a good number for first round. They may not all hatch and make it, but she has to take care of them and teach them things and protect them..
Banties are feisty and determined. Silkies will set but are wimpier chickens.