We ordered 16 birds, each a different breed, from Murray McMurray Hatchery. We love the mix of different looks and personalities. Right now they are about 5 months old and almost all are laying eggs. Although one bird probably doesn't accurately represent the breed, here is a summary of our experience. I have put a * next to our favorites:
*Black Australorp: A very mild mannered hen that is friendly and medium-large in size. One of the first to lay eggs.
Black Jersey Giant: A quiet and shy hen that was hard to tell apart from the Black Australorp once they were both feathered poults, but then the Black Australorp matured faster. Jersey Giants are slow to mature so their combs are smaller and less red at similar ages.
*White Jersey Giant: Similar to Black Jersey Giant but a larger hen. Friendly bird that doesn't mind being held.
Black Cochin: Extremely shy bird, very quiet. It is not very active and mostly just stands around in the coop or the run. Doesn't like being held, either.
White Wyandotte: Very friendly as a chick, passive but not very friendly as an adult. One of the first layers. No traits that "stand out from the crowd." Just an average chicken.
*White Rock: The friendliest and most inquisitive hen. She was also the first to lay an egg at 19 weeks. Also seems smart for a chicken, she keys on people by the coop and run when they are preparing food and treats. Will eat anything and loves to forage.
Buff Rock: More aggressive than the White Rock, also a larger comb. Very vocal in a "funny" way, throws temper tantrums when other chickens get treats. Not aggressive towards other chickens.
*Red Star: Reliably laying a GIANT brown egg almost every day. Eggs are noticeably larger than all the others. Docile and quiet bird. Not exciting to watch like some of the others, but our top recommendation if your main goal is egg production.
Rhode Island Red: This hen blends in with the crowd. Not very friendly with people, but not aggressive with the other birds either.
New Hampshire Red: Similar to Rhode Island Red, but more timid and hangs out in the coop during the day while others are in the run.
Light Brahma: Very inquisitive but doesn't like contact with people. A regal looking bird, her face reminds people of a hawk. Also appears to be the alpha female. Prefers to eat feed, doesn't like grass. A fantastic choice for "good looking birds."
Phoenix: A tiny hen that is timid and doesn't move towards people. Nice looking feathers. Lays a tiny white egg almost every single day.
Red Cap: Our Red Cap was the friendliest chick, but is now skittish and afraid of everything. A nice looking bird but it is always freaking out and hiding.
*Silver Laced Polish: An exotic bird that everyone notices first for its feathered head. It only eats feed, and requires feathers around the eyes to be trimmed every few weeks so that it can see. If something spooks the chickens, most will run and hide but the Polish chicken will lay down and play dead. We don't think it is laying eggs yet at 26 weeks. Doesn't seem to be very bright, and can be clumsy. A fun conversation starter that kids love to look at.
Gold Laced Polish: Friendly as a chick, got spooked and died running into a brick wall head-first before reaching maturity. It was my wife's favorite before the accident.
Golden Laced Wyandotte: Our GLW is our only rooster. He crows all day long, frequently. He protects the hens and he is friendly, but he is extremely loud and noisy.
