Hmm, as we only moved to the country a year ago, we had planned to wait a while till we got chickens. But a friend had brooded too many, and they were eating him out of house and home. So now from him we have 7 hens: 3 BOs, 2 BRs, 1 Partridge Rock, 1 Speckled Sussex, along with a Crested Polish rooster.
I think the Buff Orpingtons are rather, not to be mean, but dumb. I don't think I would get them again.
My husband and I really favor the Partridge Rock and the Speckled Sussex.
I know BR's are great layers, but I prefer the other 2 still.

They have the most personality.
Our rooster so far is awesome.
We also have 3 EE hens, another BR hen, and an unidentified black hen we inherited with the new to us coop from CraigsList. While we get beautiful eggs from the EEs, 2 of them are very hawk-like in their face, which I don't like. One seems to be mixed with Partridge Rock and is beautiful.
The un-IDed black one is super whiny (if chickens can be whiny!) and she drives me nuts with it, lol. But my DH loves her for her classic 'farm chicken' look, lol. And she is nice, so I guess I shouldn't complain!
I wouldn't trade any though, as they are all happy, healthy and laying... but as time goes by and *we* choose what breeds we are using to replace, I think we will seek out those breeds we like more.
Anyhoo, my long two cents!
