Adding a Second Flock

Basque chickens (euskal oiloa)

 

I would recommend Wyandottes. They are pretty, smooth legged, and very good layers. Plus, they're pretty common.

 

Orpingtons, any sort of Rock (barred, white, partridge) and Wyandottes are nice. I think the Orpingtons are hands up in the "friendly" category, Rocks are good too, but the 'Dottes have the rose comb which is better for Michigan winters. They're all good layers.

 

I breed and raise Orpingtons. My birds are absolutely massive and lay great in winter months. I haven't raised wyandottes but I have had barred rocks. They lay good as well but have large combs that get frostbite pretty easy. Have you considered a sex link? They lay pretty well even in the winter. The down side is there large comb. They lay more eggs per year than the majority of the breeds.

Nate

 

I think speckled sussex are nice birds! They're big, can with stand a winter, mine is friendly, she's hasn't begun laying yet but i bet she will next spring, and she's sooooo gorgeous! I love to take pics of her cause no matter which way she poses she looks awesome!

I agree with the other chickens people have said too, though! Orps, rocks, etc.

 

Good luck deciding! I have a mixed flock because there's no way I could pick just one.

 

Welsummers are good winter layers.