You mentioned getting a starter flock including a rooster this fall. Good idea, if you are set up for it, but the size flock you are talking about may lead to overbreeding injuries to the hens. That being said, I've known several people who've done ok with 1 roo and 3 - 4 hens. If you are well set up, and find a good set of birds, you could certainly do that this fall. If I were in your shoes, and started with a roo and a small harem, I'd look at incubating eggs in the spring from my own flock, either with an incubator, or broody hen. Build your coop and run way bigger than you think you'll need.
I agree with PP about a mixed flock. Unless you are going to be breeding and want to keep a single breed, a mixed flock can be a huge blessing. You get to choose some meaty birds, as well as some very productive layers. How cold are your winters? If you get temps below 20 F, you might want to consider pea or rose combed birds. I also prefer non feathered feet for cold winters. My personal favorites: Dominique: (heritage breed making a nice come back), EE: Good producers. I had one lay faithfully all winter w/o extra light. I've not had, but am very interested in Buckeyes. Having a rooster and being able to breed your own chicks adds a whole new dimension to chicken keeping. You might want to read some of the threads dedicated to the breeds that you are considering. I kept one Pioneer pullet (from my meat birds) this summer, and she was my first layer. So, other than the C x R meat birds, some of the newer meat bird options may be worth having in your situation: good layer, good size table bird.
I agree with PP about a mixed flock. Unless you are going to be breeding and want to keep a single breed, a mixed flock can be a huge blessing. You get to choose some meaty birds, as well as some very productive layers. How cold are your winters? If you get temps below 20 F, you might want to consider pea or rose combed birds. I also prefer non feathered feet for cold winters. My personal favorites: Dominique: (heritage breed making a nice come back), EE: Good producers. I had one lay faithfully all winter w/o extra light. I've not had, but am very interested in Buckeyes. Having a rooster and being able to breed your own chicks adds a whole new dimension to chicken keeping. You might want to read some of the threads dedicated to the breeds that you are considering. I kept one Pioneer pullet (from my meat birds) this summer, and she was my first layer. So, other than the C x R meat birds, some of the newer meat bird options may be worth having in your situation: good layer, good size table bird.
