What you call novagen look exactly like my Gold Star Cinnamon Queen (sex links). I like them best for the same reasons: egg laying, curiosity, interactive personalities!
I got interested in raising chickens several years ago when my husband and I were looking for a house to buy. They had chickens in the yard, (black sex links I think) and when we stepped outside and walked around to talk the chickens followed us. They sat and seemed to listen while we talked...