Try Orpingtons, Australorps, Brahmas, Delawares, RIRs, Cochins (not great layers but cool) Barred Rocks, Wyandottes and Speckled Sussex. There are many more. Check out Henderson's Chart , it will give you good info on each breed.
The feathering time varies from breed to breed. It is a way to judge the sex but is by no means accurate. I think you are just going to have to wait a few weeks. Watch the comb, that is really the best way to tell. If it turns red or pink in a couple of weeks chances are good that you have a...