My Ameraucanas are still laying every other day at 2 years. I think they are a good hearty bird. Not high production, but steady.
I like Jersey Giants!
For production: Gold Star, Black Star and Leghorn.
Of course for sheer loveliness I love Orpingtons, Wyandottes and Silkies/Frizzles.
I like to raise my birds from 1-20 days in a large plastic tote. I find this easy to clean up. I then transfer my birds to a "nursery pen" that's about 3'x12'...