When raising chickens, broodiness is an important factor to consider. Broody hens are instinctively inclined to lay eggs and hatch them, making them ideal for those interested in breeding. Listed below are 10 of the best chicken breeds known for their broodiness.
What is Broodiness?
When a chicken broods, she develops a strong instinct to sit on and incubate a clutch of eggs. Hens may become protective of their eggs during this period and exhibit certain physical and behavioral changes. Instead of laying eggs, she may spend most of her time sitting in the nest, fluffing her feathers, and emitting low clucking sounds. A change in hormone levels can cause broodiness for several weeks. Commercial egg production can be disrupted by broody hens, which can be beneficial for hatching eggs and raising chicks.
Top 10 Chicken Breeds for Broodiness
Chantecler Chicken
Chanteclers are winter-hardy birds developed in Canada. Both white and partridge-colored varieties are available, and they lay brown eggs well. It is usually not difficult to care for them because they are gentle, docile, friendly, and independent. Nevertheless, free-ranging animals do much better than those kept in confinement. The breed is also known to go broody, so those looking for a hen to help hatch baby chickens and care for them are often drawn to them.
Dominique Chicken
Dominique, the oldest American breed, has a sweet, calm, and gentle disposition. Following you around, seeking attention, and asking for treats is one of their favorite things. Momma Dominiques are extremely attentive to their chicks and have a high rate of raising them until they are independent. They have been broody since colonial times and are still around today. Both free range and confinement are suitable for this breed. Additionally, these chickens are excellent foragers.
Brahma Chicken
You might be surprised to learn that Brahmas lay regular-sized eggs, as they are the second largest breed of chicken, only second to the Jersey Giant. They are the perfect pet and are friendly, beautiful, cuddly, and calm. Although these hens lay fewer eggs than other breeds, their docile nature makes broodiness a pleasure for everyone. Additionally, they are excellent mothers due to their large size.
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Sussex Chicken
The breed is a classic dual-purpose breed, large enough to serve as a good table bird and able to lay plenty of eggs, producing 180-200 or even as many as 250 in a year. Their docile and friendly natures, resistance to cold temperatures, and independence make them ideal free-range birds. It’s common for Sussex chickens to go broody, so you can use them if you’re interested in hatching eggs. In addition to being excellent mothers, they also take good care of their baby chickens, making them a popular breed among chicken keepers in both England and the United States.
Cochins Chicken
Although cochins are not excellent egg producers, they are excellent brooders and great mothers. You can hatch multiple batches of baby chickens in a year so that you can grow your flock quickly. During the colder months, mama hens may stop nurturing earlier than usual. The friendly and docile nature of this breed makes it easy to handle. They are ideal for homes with small children. As well as going broody on eggs of other breeds and species (including turkeys and ducks! ), they are also kindhearted toward other breeds.
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Silkies Chicken
When it comes to broodiness, the Silkie chicken takes the top spot. Although they may not be as productive as other breeds, you can depend on them to sit on their eggs for as long as you need. In the same way as the other breeds mentioned here, Silkies are happy to incubate and hatch eggs that are not their own. As a result of their caring nature, they were dubbed the “Broody Queens” of chickens.
Cubalaya Chicken
Known for their good mothering abilities and tendency to go broody often, the Cubalaya chicken breed is highly prized. Besides being popular on the exhibition floor, these ornamental birds also lay good brown eggs. Developed in Cuba, they thrive in warmer climates and are known for their friendly and curious nature.
Dorking Chicken
Although they are not as prolific layers as some other breeds, they produce around 150 eggs per year, making them a dual-purpose breed. Dorking hens are known to brood, and they make good mothers. Their brooding period lasts around two years, a little later than some other chicken breeds.
Icelandic Chicken
As a landrace that has existed in Iceland since the ninth century when settlers took it there, the Icelandic chicken is a hardy bird that can survive in harsh climates. It is a relatively small type of chicken, so it doesn’t make the best table bird – but it does lay many eggs, which is one of its best qualities.
Additionally, hens are known to go broody occasionally – although this is known to occur only in some of the hens in a flock rather than in all of them. Despite their many positive attributes, it should be noted that these birds are considered rare outside of their native Iceland. Therefore, they can be quite difficult to acquire if they are not found in your country of residence.
Orpington Chicken
These mother hens are docile and sweet-natured, making them exceptional mothers. In addition to thriving in small spaces, they would be a great addition to any backyard flock. Cold-hardy and broody, these exceptional layers thrive in cold climates. Despite having loose, fluffy feathers, these dual-purpose chickens appear older than their current age due to their loose, fluffy feathers. They are a wonderful choice for families with small children because they have a sweet and gentle disposition. As friendly as they are, they welcome any eggs placed under them by their keepers.
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Conclusion
These ten chicken breeds are highly recommended for those looking to have broody hens in their flock. Whether you’re interested in natural incubation or want a chicken that will take care of its chicks, these breeds will not disappoint. Consider adding these broody chicken breeds to your flock and enjoy the benefits of having dedicated and nurturing mothers.
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