) There are some great charts that can help you determine the right breeds for you at http://albc-usa.etapwss.com/images/uploads/docs/pickachicken.pdf, http://www.mypetchicken.com/chicken-breeds/breed-list.aspx, and http://www.sagehenfarmlodi.com/chooks/chooks.html. Also Murray McMurray has an excellent "chick selector" tool at https://www.mcmurrayhatchery.com/chick_selector.html to help you determine the best breeds for you. Which breed is best for you depends on what your criteria for a breed is. If sheer egg production is your priority, I would recommend Black Sex Links, which are hardy and friendly, egg laying machines. I've raised them for years (along with dozens of other breeds and hybrids) and they have been my best layers, consistently churning out more than 300 eggs per hen per year. If you want birds that are calm, gentle, potential lap pets, you should go with one of the breeds that have a well deserved reputation for this such as Australorps, Orpingtons, Cochins, Brahmas, Sussex, and Faverolles. Of these very docile breeds, Australorps are the best layers and Cochins are the poorest (although they are the best brooders and mothers). If meat birds are your objective, then Cornish cross is the way to go. With their fantastic growth rates, they are ready for butching at 8 weeks. In fact, if you wait much beyond that, they begin having all sorts of health problems due to their abnormal growth rates. Please feel free to ask any questions you may have. We are here to help in any way we can. Whatever breeds you decide to get, good luck with your flock.
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