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Hi ChicknScratch,
We are looking for good layers, not too broody with calm-to-average temperament. I was thinking about these breeds: Orpington, Australorp, Araucana, Speckled Sussex and/or Plymouth Rocks. My buddy raises chickens in mid-central Illinois and raises Rhode Island Red and red sex link chickens, so he suggested those. My brother reminded me that when we had chickens as kids, my dad ordered them out of a seed catalog and we did, indeed, pick them up at the post office!! That was 40 years ago at least!! DAG- I am getting old.
I have to suggest against aracaunas if you don't want a lot of chatter. they are VERY talkative. Otherwise orps are great and go broody frequently if you plan to hatch your own and they are great mothers.
The Aracaunas that I had were very loud as 2 females, but when I gave them to a friend and they were with a male they weren't nearly as squawky. They do not do well confined and are somewhat aggressive toward others!
I'm not sure where you are located, but Farm & Fleet, feed stores, and local breeders will be hatching & shipping plenty of chicks around that time. The F&F and feed stores will most likely not have the specialty breed that you've mentioned. If you cannot find a place to get your chicks, I would most likely be able to get you some black (english) orpingtons. If you are willing to wait until the last weekend in May, I might be able to get you some of the others (no guarantees), but I do not know anyone breeding Speckled or Plymouth rocks (I'll check around though).