best breed

[cluckinbob]

what is the best breed to get for laying and hatching that I can cull out for meat?

 

[speckledhen]

Several will do. The Delaware was originally THE meat bird and was replaced by CornishX. They sometimes go broody, lay extra large even toned brown eggs, etc. Some hatchery strains have been known to be more aggressive than they should be, however, if you can get a nice calm strain, they ought to be great. Plymouth Rocks are also excellent layers and meaty birds as are Orpingtons.