Hi everyone!

Yeah, that's very true. I'll look into those links more as well, they look very helpful. :)
 
Hello everyone, I'm Jamie. I'm just starting out in chickens and thought this website would give me lots of helpful pointers on how to raise them, though I already have a pretty good understanding after doing lots of research and talking to people about them. I can't wait to meet some of you on here! P.S. - What are the best breeds of chicken, for egg laying specifically? Thanks a bunch. :) - Jamie

Welcome to BYC! The best layers under idea conditions (good lighting and warm temps.) are White Leghorns. A White Leghorn hen holds the world's laying record with 370 eggs in 365 days. However, in areas with long dark and cold winters, Sex Link hens will outlay them. Other hardy and very good layers are Black Australorps and Rhode Island Reds. If temperament is a factor in your decision, stay away from Leghorns which are high strung and flighty. Also, Rhode Island Reds can sometimes be aggressive (particularly the RIR roosters). I have had many Black Australorps and have never had an aggressive one. They are a very friendly and docile breed. I have had both Black and Red Sex Links, and both are excellent layers, but I have generally found the Black Sex Link to be a little friendlier and more docile.
 
Welcome to BYC. Michael O Shay is right on the money. Leghorns for a variety of reasons are my all time favorites.
 
Hi Michael! Thanks for the feedback, live in Washington, so Winter is usually very dark, and very cold. So the Leghorns wouldn't lay best here, haha. I've pretty much decided on the 5 hens I want so far, all are different breeds, I've decided to add in the Barred Rock again because I've heard they're excellent layers, even if they're a bit bossy. I can live with it. I'm also getting an Ameraucana, Rhode Island Red, Black Australorp, and a New Hampshire. As the chickens we're currently buying mature, we'll likely get more once we become addicted. Haha! So we're mainly sticking with the more docile friendly ones, altough we do expect the Barred Rock to be at the top of the pecking order almost immediately.
 
Hi Michael! Thanks for the feedback, live in Washington, so Winter is usually very dark, and very cold. So the Leghorns wouldn't lay best here, haha. I've pretty much decided on the 5 hens I want so far, all are different breeds, I've decided to add in the Barred Rock again because I've heard they're excellent layers, even if they're a bit bossy. I can live with it. I'm also getting an Ameraucana, Rhode Island Red, Black Australorp, and a New Hampshire. As the chickens we're currently buying mature, we'll likely get more once we become addicted. Haha! So we're mainly sticking with the more docile friendly ones, altough we do expect the Barred Rock to be at the top of the pecking order almost immediately.

There is also a good chance you could find the Rhode Island Red at the top of your pecking order.
 

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