Mia Patel
When it comes to chickens, a setter is a hen that will hatch her eggs, while a non-setter is one that will not. Most chicken breeds will occasionally go broody, meaning they will set their eggs and attempt to hatch them. However, setters typically refer to breeds or individual hens that frequently exhibit broody behaviour. For example, Orpingtons and Cochins are considered setter breeds. On the other hand, certain high-production breeds like Rhode Island Reds and Leghorns rarely, if ever, go broody and are thus classified as non-setters.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Setter | A hen that hatches her eggs |
| Non-setter | A hen that does not hatch her eggs |
| Setter breeds | Orpingtons, Cochins |
| Non-setter breeds | Rhode Island Reds, Leghorns |
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What You'll Learn
- A non-setter is a hen that will not hatch her eggs
- Most chicken breeds will occasionally go broody, meaning they will set their eggs and attempt to hatch them
- A setter usually refers to a breed that frequently goes broody
- Examples of setters include Orpingtons and Cochins
- Non-setters include Rhode Island Reds and Leghorns
A non-setter is a hen that will not hatch her eggs
Broodiness in hens is characterised by a desire to become a mother. A broody hen will sit on her eggs in an attempt to hatch them. This behaviour can be disrupted, however, and some people may find it annoying, particularly if they do not want their hens to hatch eggs. In such cases, non-setter breeds are preferred.
On the other hand, some people may desire setters, or hens that frequently go broody and hatch chicks. One example of a setter breed is the Orpington, which is known not only for its reliability in hatching chicks but also for its friendly and fun personality. The Cochin breed is another example of a setter.
In some cases, specific strains of chickens have been developed for the purpose of hatching eggs. One example is the Allen Setters, which were created by George Allen of Salt Lake City, Utah, for the purpose of hatching pheasant eggs.
Ultimately, whether a hen is a setter or a non-setter may depend on the preferences of the owner. While non-setters are convenient for those who do not want to hatch eggs at home, setters may be preferred by those who are interested in breeding or who simply appreciate the personality traits associated with setter breeds.
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Most chicken breeds will occasionally go broody, meaning they will set their eggs and attempt to hatch them
A "setter", in the context of chickens, refers to a hen that will hatch her eggs. A "non-setter" is, therefore, a hen that will not hatch eggs. While most chicken breeds will occasionally go "broody" and attempt to hatch their eggs, "setter" breeds are those that frequently go broody. For example, Orpingtons and Cochins are considered "setter" breeds. On the other hand, high-production breeds like Rhode Island Reds and Leghorns seldom, if ever, go broody and are considered "non-setters".
Whether a chicken keeper prefers "setters" or "non-setters" depends on their perspective. If a keeper does not want to hatch eggs at home, they may find broodiness annoying, as a broody hen will stop laying while she wants to hatch. In this case, they would prefer "non-setters". However, even those who don't intend to hatch eggs may still choose "setters" because they like the breed's personality. For instance, Orpingtons are quite popular not only because they will hatch chicks but also because they are friendly and fun birds.
The broodiness of a hen can be broken, which is an option for keepers who want "setters" but do not want to hatch eggs. Additionally, some breeds, like the Allen Setters, have been specifically developed for the purpose of hatching eggs. Allen Setters were developed by George Allen of Salt Lake City, UT, and they come in a variety of colours and patterns, including Silver Quail, Silver Brassy Back, Brown Breasted, Brown Red, and Partridge.
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A setter usually refers to a breed that frequently goes broody
In the context of chicken breeds, the term "setter" typically refers to a breed or individual hen that frequently exhibits broody behaviour. Broody hens have a maternal instinct to sit on their eggs and hatch them. While most chicken breeds will occasionally go broody, setters are known for doing so more regularly. Examples of setter breeds include Orpingtons and Cochins. These breeds are not only sought after for their propensity to hatch chicks but also for their friendly and fun personalities.
On the other hand, "non-setters" refer to chicken breeds or individual hens that rarely, if ever, go broody. High-production breeds like Rhode Island Reds and Leghorns are classified as non-setters. These breeds are less likely to exhibit broody behaviour and prefer to set eggs rather than hatch them.
The preference for setters or non-setters depends on the circumstances and goals of the chicken owner. If an individual does not intend to hatch eggs at home, they may find broodiness inconvenient as broody hens will temporarily stop laying eggs. In such cases, non-setters might be the preferred choice.
However, some people may choose to keep setter breeds, even if they do not intend to hatch eggs, simply because they appreciate the breed's personality traits. Setter breeds like Orpingtons are renowned for their friendly and playful dispositions, making them popular among chicken enthusiasts regardless of their broody tendencies.
Ultimately, whether an individual chooses to keep setters or non-setters depends on their specific needs and preferences. While setters are known for their frequent broodiness, non-setters offer consistent egg production, and both types of breeds can have unique characteristics that make them desirable beyond their brooding habits.
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Examples of setters include Orpingtons and Cochins
In the context of chickens, a "setter" refers to a breed (or a specific hen) that frequently goes broody, meaning they will set their eggs and try to hatch them. Examples of setters include Orpingtons and Cochins.
Orpingtons were first introduced to the public in 1886 by William Cook, a well-known poultry breeder and coachman. The original Black Orpington was soon followed by White, Buff, Speckled (Jubilee), and Mottled (Spangled) varieties, and later Blue and Cuckoo colour patterns were also created. Orpingtons are known for their abundance of feathers, and the bantams, or miniatures, are still relatively large and impressive birds. While some consider them to be a "show breed that doesn't lay very well," others point to a Black Orpington that set a record in 1930 for most eggs laid by a pure breed in a year. Orpingtons are also known for their docile and friendly personalities, making them popular as pets and for families with children.
Buff Orpingtons, in particular, are a favourite among backyard chicken keepers due to their temperament, egg-laying capabilities, and suitability for meat production. They are quick to mature, hardy, and friendly, making them easy to keep and fun to have around. While Buff Orpingtons are typically broody and will often raise chicks of any breed, this trait is not present in all individuals, so it's important to ask the breeder or hatchery about the strain before purchasing. Additionally, when Buff Orpingtons become broody, they focus solely on hatching eggs and temporarily stop laying new ones.
Cochins, another breed of setters, played a role in the development of Orpingtons. Golden Spangled Hamburgs were crossed with Buff Cochins, and the offspring were then crossed with Dark or Coloured Dorkings. Finally, the progeny of this cross were bred back to Buff Cochins, resulting in the Buff Orpington. Cochins are known for their profuse feathers, with Joseph Partington developing a much more feathery version of the Black Orpington by crossing Croad Langshans with Black Cochins in the 1890s.
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Non-setters include Rhode Island Reds and Leghorns
A "setter", in the context of chickens, refers to a hen that will hatch her eggs. When a hen goes "broody", it means that she wants to become a mother and will sit on her eggs. Most chicken breeds will occasionally go broody, but "setters" are breeds or specific hens that frequently do so. Examples of setters include Orpingtons and Cochins.
On the other hand, a "non-setter" is a hen that will not hatch her eggs. While most chicken breeds will occasionally go broody, non-setters seldom, if ever, do. High-production breeds like Rhode Island Reds and Leghorns are examples of non-setters. These breeds do not frequently go broody and do not want to set their eggs.
Whether a chicken owner prefers setters or non-setters may depend on their specific needs and perspectives. For those who do not want to hatch eggs at home, broodiness may be considered annoying, as a broody hen will stop laying eggs while she is focused on hatching. In this case, non-setters like Rhode Island Reds and Leghorns may be preferred. However, even those who don't intend to hatch eggs may still choose setters because they like the breed's personality or other characteristics. For example, Orpingtons are popular not only because they will hatch chicks but also because they are known to be friendly and fun birds.
Ultimately, the decision to choose setters or non-setters depends on the specific circumstances and preferences of the chicken owner. While non-setters like Rhode Island Reds and Leghorns may be advantageous for those who do not want to deal with broodiness, setters may be preferred by those who value the breed's other qualities or are interested in hatching eggs.
It is worth noting that some sources suggest that broodiness can be "broken", but this may not be a desirable option for everyone.
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Frequently asked questions
A non-setter is a hen that will not hatch her eggs.
When a chicken goes broody, it means they want to be a mother and will set their eggs and try to hatch them.
High production breeds like Rhode Island Reds and Leghorns seldom go broody and are therefore considered non-setters.
