The Poultry Keeper

richard · Joined: 14 Oct 2005 Posts: 258 Location: somerset

Does any one know if RIR/Sussex hens tend to be the broody type or maybe even Black Rocks? I think I've heard that Black Rocks never go broody but I'm not sure about RIR/Sussex. It would be helpful to know if I can expect to have a broody hen. Also, do hens tend to go broody in their 2nd year?

nigel · Posted: Wed May 10, 2006 10:58 am Post subject:

The modern hybrids are *less* likely to go broody. I have a Bovans Nera that does - they make good mothers too allegedly.

Not sure about a RIR x Sussex though

richard · Joined: 14 Oct 2005 Posts: 258 Location: somerset

That's a shame, I might have to add to my little flock with a couple of broody types. I've heard Silkies are reliable sitters but I'd prefer a large breed.

debcat · Posted: Wed May 10, 2006 11:05 am Post subject:

both my light sussex go broody, one of them twice a year
they make good mums, neither of them turn into monsters when they are sitting either Very Happy

richard · Joined: 14 Oct 2005 Posts: 258 Location: somerset

If light Sussex go broody, maybe a hybrid will. I'm really getting into the idea of rearing some chicks.

debcat · Posted: Wed May 10, 2006 11:20 am Post subject:

it's addictive Laughing

Knobby · Posted: Wed May 10, 2006 11:26 am Post subject:

You can get "Large" silkies, theyre not as large as normal large breeds, but thayre big enough....I find silkies probably the friendliest/funniest breed too !!!

richard · Joined: 14 Oct 2005 Posts: 258 Location: somerset

A friend of mine keeps Silkies and his are really funny. He's got some miniature black ones and the cockerel is tiny. The comb is very odd looking, more like a bump on the head Laughing

fenwoman · Posted: Wed May 10, 2006 12:22 pm Post subject:

richard · Joined: 14 Oct 2005 Posts: 258 Location: somerset

fenwoman · Posted: Wed May 10, 2006 12:31 pm Post subject:

Ahh I see. But since all hybrids are made from crossing purebred birds, and they don't go broody..............
Be interesting to see if it does though.

richard · Joined: 14 Oct 2005 Posts: 258 Location: somerset

Urrrggghhh Confused

One of my chooks just caught a slo-worm and because the others were chasing her to get a bit, she swallowed it whole... Urrgghh puke_r

Spana · Joined: 30 Apr 2005 Posts: 2299 Location: North Cornwall

Poor slowworm.

I have four blackrocks and two went broody last year and made good sitters and mothers.

I dont really know if this follows with all blackrocks but my two broodies were more gold than black. The darks ones show no signs of wanting to go broody but the gold pair look as if they would with the slightest encouragement.

richard · Joined: 14 Oct 2005 Posts: 258 Location: somerset

Thanks Jan, that's interesting, I've always been told Black rocks won't go broody but that's obviously not true. I've got 2 with lots of gold feathers and 1 that's nearly all dark. I'll let you know if I get a broody Very Happy

Issy · Joined: 22 Nov 2005 Posts: 371 Location: somerset

All of my Australorpes went broody last year and none of them - yet - this year Rolling Eyes