When you are just starting out, I would get a mixed variety of chicks, such as some Buff orpingtons, some red sex link, easter eggers, welsummers, black astroloupes, anything else that catches your eye. What I have found in 8 years, is sometimes what I think I am going to like, I don't really. You just have to try them and see.
As for numbers, it can depend on your needs, but 3-4 hens will give quite a few eggs the first year. To determine the number, measure the space you can give them. How big of coop are you building? A coup needs to be 4 square feet per chicken minimum, the run 10 square feet for the run.
4 chickens need about 16 square feet for the coup, and 40 square feet for the run. Less space should have less chickens.
I would recommend getting just hens the first year, either egg layers or dual purpose breeds, no roosters or meat birds the first year. Just get some experience raising and caring for chickens. This is a fun hobby that you can do for years, later on, add the rooster, add the meat bird pen.
Mrs K
