Ok I have 1 Easter egger, 2 Plymouth barred rocks, 2 buff orpingtons, a red star and a cuckoo maran arriving early April from MCMurrays. We ordered the 4 wk old chicks as we were busy redoing our farmhouse in March to raise them from wee ones. I really think we need two more. I would like an excellent layer that continues laying in winter. Black Australorp maybe? Would love opinions. TIA
Black Australorps are very good winter layers, but the best winter layers I've had out of dozens of breeds and hybrids over the years have been my Black Sex Links (Murray McMurray markets them as Black Stars), which are hardy and friendly, egg laying machines. They have been my best layers, consistently churning out more than 300 eggs per hen per year, and I have been especially impressed with their persistence in laying in really cold winter weather. Whatever breed or hybrid you decide to get, good luck with your flock.