Old English Game hens can often be great broodies and fiercely protective mothers, down side is that they are very small so if you are ordering eggs you have to find a source that would allow you small amounts so she could cover them.
Silkies are great, my silkie mix raised 4 clutches last year, again, they are small so clutch sizes are typically small to allow her to cover them
Many of the 'rocks' are prone to broodiness (whites, silver pencil, barred) but it may depend on bloodline, the same can be said for Jersey Giants and Buckeyes... there are no guarantees, though having a reputable breeder who can tell you if he has frequent broody hens may increase the odds.
Cochin also have a broody reputation, I don't know personally if they are as often as Silkies, but others can chime in.
If you are looking to hatch out small numbers at a time I would give OEG hens or silkies a try... for a large fowl heritage breed do some questioning with breeders and choose from there.
I currently have a silkie who just finished raising her latest brood this week, a Black Giant (hatchery Jersey Giant) who is 10 months old and currently sitting on eggs, and a 9 month old Silver Pencil Rock who has been broody for a week now but I haven't given her eggs yet.... and a barnyard mix and a second Silver Pencil rock who are showing early broody signs to boot!
So be careful what you wish for, because if you get a couple of 'prone to broody' types you may find out is has become contagious in your coop and you have a lot of broodies wanting babies!
Silkies are great, my silkie mix raised 4 clutches last year, again, they are small so clutch sizes are typically small to allow her to cover them
Many of the 'rocks' are prone to broodiness (whites, silver pencil, barred) but it may depend on bloodline, the same can be said for Jersey Giants and Buckeyes... there are no guarantees, though having a reputable breeder who can tell you if he has frequent broody hens may increase the odds.
Cochin also have a broody reputation, I don't know personally if they are as often as Silkies, but others can chime in.
If you are looking to hatch out small numbers at a time I would give OEG hens or silkies a try... for a large fowl heritage breed do some questioning with breeders and choose from there.
I currently have a silkie who just finished raising her latest brood this week, a Black Giant (hatchery Jersey Giant) who is 10 months old and currently sitting on eggs, and a 9 month old Silver Pencil Rock who has been broody for a week now but I haven't given her eggs yet.... and a barnyard mix and a second Silver Pencil rock who are showing early broody signs to boot!
So be careful what you wish for, because if you get a couple of 'prone to broody' types you may find out is has become contagious in your coop and you have a lot of broodies wanting babies!
