So other then cold hardy, fun and friendly what else? Good layers? Handle confinement (obvious yes)? Colorful? Size? Egg color?
Personally, i would start with size. I would stay away from small bantams. Think of it like dogs. A big 100# dog is better equiped to live in the mountains than a 20# one. A 6# hen has more mass to keep her warm than a 1.5# one does. Mediterranian breeds with slim bodies and big floppy combs are bred for hot climates not 3' of snow. Look at dual purpose breeds. As a group they tend to be cold hardy, good layers (4-6/week), docile if handled properly and extreemly varied and colorful. Have a varied flock to test the water. You will develop personal likes and definite nos for flock expansion.
I've had over 20 different breeds and colors in my flock. I also raise 100's of pullets to sell. I like to stick with calm good layers for beginner flocks. My preference are wyandottes, australorps, easter eggers, welsummer and barred rocks. For fun and fluffy, i throw in cochins and brabanters.
If your travels ever take you to Fort Collins, i highly recommend stopping in at Feeders Supply. They carry chicks year round and during chick season might have upwards of 60 different breeds and colors to choose from. They do post their inventory on FoCo CL. Have fun!
