the brooders are chickens
I have four Maran hens. They are pretty good brooders although we didn't let our Marans have chickens for we don't want to overcrowd all our hens. In my opinion I say they're better layers than brooders.
Intruder
They either don't, or they blow it off. Beware of the brooders.
There are two breeds of like size. Brahmas are most often referred to as the largest of the chicken breeds. The Brahma are very large docile birds who make reliable brooders because they can cover a large number of eggs due to their size. The Brahma is often referred to as the "King of Chicken Breeds" at poultry shows and Auctions. The Jersey Giant developed in the USA is reported to be larger. Most likely the Giants - Black, blue or white - American bred. (As far as height and mainly weight are concerned). However, there are other breeds - such as Orpingtons, Langshans, Brahmas, and just about any heritage bred chicken - that can get quite large.
Both Cochin and silkie hens are good brooders. The standard Cochin is by far the bigger of the two breeds and would brood more eggs than a standard Silkie. Both breeds are well know to go broody at any time during the prime egg laying years.
I have always found the best ones are those you make yourself as they are designed to suit your specific needs. There are several websites that explain how to do this. See the links below. I make my own with plywood and 2X2's and a few hardware items like a light fixture and some hinges.
One of the more docile breeds is the Cochin. Quiet and calm they seem to have a Zen character about them. Feathered to the toes, they make a good show bird and excellent brooders.
A hen will go "broody" at anytime during her egg laying years. Not all hen do and some breeds are just naturally brooders. To ensure at least one brood hen in the flock you might consider getting a Cochin or a Silkie hen as these two breeds are good brooders. There is no way to force a hen to sit on eggs.
She will probably brood them, and care for the ducklings when they hatch. It's a pretty common practice to give hens that are known to be good brooders the eggs of other fowl to hatch. Just make sure you provide the ducklings with plenty of duckling mash - the hen won't know the right kind of food for them.
Yes. Only female catfish. Males do not give birth obviously.
Red bulbs are used as brooders because they provide a gentle, warm light that mimics the natural warmth emitted by a hen. This helps to calm and soothe the chicks, promoting better rest and growth. Additionally, red light is less stressful to chicks than bright white light, reducing the chances of them pecking at each other.
Here's the lyrics: Chicken wing, chicken wing Hot dog and bologna Chicken and macaroni Chillin' out with my holmies Eating some canolies