Broody Chickens

[tortoise]

We have Rhode Island Reds. 1 hens, 2 roosters. We have no interest in incubating eggs, but would like to avoid buying more layers as these girls age.

We've had the idea of getting some Silky hens because they're supposed to be broody, good sitters. Has anyone tried that? Will chickens pick on smaller birds in the flock?

 

[Denim Deb]

I tried, my only problem being they ended up being roosters! And, as long as you introduce them as you would any other new birds to the flock, it shouldn't be a problem. I'd keep an eye on them and make sure they're not getting picked on, but once they establish a pecking order, they should be fine.

 

[Hinotori]

OMG. Broody silkies are the bane of my existence sometimes. I had one hen go broody 5 times last year. The other two kept it to 3 times. Their daughters that I kept have started going broody already. Two have been sitting eggs for the last week.

Silkies are very good raising chicks. I've been happy with them. I got my first ones just to get me more chicks from the large fowl. Now I'm raising partridge show birds (who WILL pluck their chest and go broody right before a show).

Normally silkies do get picked on by birds that can see better. It's best to keep that in mind.

Apparently I have Satan's own strain. Every large fowl here runs in terror of the horde. The rooster has beaten both large fowl ameraucana roosters into submission. My hens work together and gang up on the large girls. Nothing like a brahma running from a little silkie.

 

[frustratedearthmother]

Now that's some funny stuff! Guess they were tired of getting beat up on, lol.

 

[tortoise]

Thanks! I think we're going to try it! My vote is for one Silky of each color so they're easy to identify and name.