What breed best for broody (and not being bullied!)

[pinksleepybear]

Hello,
I'm planning to get a couple of pure breeds in the hope that they'll go broody and can raise chicks for meat. I've been looking at Orpingtons, but then read that they shouldn't be kept with a mixed flock because they're so placid and get bullied by the other breeds.

Can anyone else suggest a good breed that will go broody, but are also able to look after themselves in a mixed flock?

[chris]

If the flock is already settled, and you take appropriate measure to ensure the broody is safe (and the chicks..) then the bullying shouldn't be an issue.

I've read numerous posts about how good silkies are..

[RichmondHens]

Orpingtons are fine in a mixed flock. Hens tend to get bullied because of individual personalities rather than being a particular breed. You can get bolshy and shy birds of any breed. My Orpingtons run with both Light Sussex and Welsummer and they are most definitely the bossiest ones!

[petal]

yes, our orpington does not let herself get bullied either. Silkies sometimes get bullied possibly because of their restricted eyesight? i only raise large fowl chicks under our orpington as she has been known to squash bantam chicks and i use the silkies for smaller chicks as they are less clumsy.