If you had to choose...

[TheTwoRoos]

Production reds are good birds.I have one who is five years and she still lays.As well as barred rocks.A six year old barred hen who still lays.
You can get hatchery,but I’ve heard hatchery birds don’t live as long,but idk.All my NHRs are from tsc.They also have great colors.

 

[HenHouse4Life]

I'm going to vote for brahmas. Mine are SO friendly and lay very well. Their feathered legs are beautiful and I love the coloring of my light brahmas. My light brahma roo is absolutely wonderful! He's very respectful of my space, not mean at all and he's not overbearing with my hens.
Good luck!!

 

[Alexandra33]

Each bird is an individual, and because of this it seems no matter how many people you ask about a particular breed, they'll hold different opinions. That being said, this is what I have to say about any breeds on your list I've owned over the past few years (based upon my own experience).

Speckled Sussex: GORGEOUS and FLASHY. Will definitely attract attention. Decent layers, though not stellar, of medium brown to pinkish eggs. Mine made up for her production shortcomings by being a complete love bug. She never picked on the other birds, either.

Partridge Rock: Also very lovely with their penciled plumage! Medium brown eggs once again, and better layers than the Speckled Sussex. Rocks overall are one of my favorite breeds on all fronts, for every quality you'd want in a chook. For whatever reason, our Partridge wasn't a nice, friendly girl like the others, but that was simply her own personality.

Wyandottes, all the color varieties mentioned: Out of the 5 I've raised, none are/were aggressive. About half have been affectionate towards their human handlers, and the other half is more flighty. Whether you end up with a loving pet depends, once again, on the individual. "Okay" layers, I'd compare their production level with the Sussex. While most turn out a light tan product, my SLW provided me with shocklingly dark, speckled eggs. Just gorgeous.

Welsummer: WOW, one of my all-time favorites. Their production is FANTASTIC overall, not to mention all the spectacular color added to your cartons. My oldest is 3 1/2 years of age, and she still lays a jumbo-sized egg almost every day. The other isn't as prolific, but her eggs are what I consider "Marans" dark. I shall attach a picture for you. Can't wait for my newest 3 to begin laying!
Far left, Laserbeak's egg, and far right, Annika's:

Personality-wise, I find them to be very friendly birds.

True Ameraucana: I have mixed feelings about this breed.....let's start with the large fowl hens first. My Blue girl, who was hatched with crossbeak, laid tiny, more-green-than-blue eggs infrequently, and had the worst attitude one could imagine. She never let me touch her; screamed bloody murder without hesitation if I tried. The Black was calmer, and produced huge, gorgeous blue eggs with a glowy sheen. Only drawback - she became prone to infections in the egg tract after point of lay, which eventually led to her death from egg yolk peritonitis far too young.
On a lighter note, I LOVE my bitty Wheaten Ameraucana bantam pair to death. Tiny, powder blue eggs appear nearly every day from the hen, and the rooster is as sweet as can be.

Buckeye: Pretty birds, not especially in-your-face personable, but quite docile, and medium production of khaki eggs. I mainly keep them around for novelty factor, as I live in Ohio, where the breed originated. Super cute, though. I have nothing bad to say about Buckeyes! Only tip I'll throw out in case you decide to add any to your flock down the road; keep an eye on them. These birds (who stay at rock bottom of the pecking order) tend to get picked on.

Marans: Another of my go-to breeds, by far. Where do I begin? Their rustic looks add so much to a flock. It's impossible not to become entranced by those striking eyes belonging solely to Marans and no other. Though you might hear otherwise from different sources, mine surprised me with how prolific their production actually is! I'd average things to about 5 eggs per week. And egg color....EGG COLOR is everything! My Black Copper gave me the gorgeous, splotchy, reddish-chocolate eggs of every chicken owner's dreams. I find the Blue Splash to lay something slightly lighter, but every bit as pretty. Personalities as big as the birds themselves, too! It's a wonderful life when you're unable to go anywhere in the yard without curious Marans butting their heads into your business, demanding you halt everything to snuggle them.

Cochin: Only one I have is a bantam, but that still counts, right? Sweet, spunky little girl, full of vim and vinegar and fluff. She lays quite well, and is constantly broody. Thankfully, the others keep her fiery attitude at bay.

Only Brahma I gained experience with was a cockerel, so no comment there. My Leghorns are too young to lay, at the moment, so also nothing to say until they're fully mature.

Are you worried about your established Orpingtons being bullied by newcomers? I find this highly unlikely, as they're older than any new additions (regardless of breed), and will most likely hold their own. Mature hens tend to keep youngsters in line.

~Alex

 

[ShrekDawg]

Speckled Sussex if you want friendly birds, we have four and they are the sweetest girls! So friendly, let our children carry them around the yard. Their eggs are medium and pinkish as stated above, so eggs may not be their best trait, but the friendliness makes up for it

Thanks for the info! They seem like great birds and pink eggs seem cool.

Production reds are good birds.I have one who is five years and she still lays.As well as barred rocks.A six year old barred hen who still lays.
You can get hatchery,but I’ve heard hatchery birds don’t live as long,but idk.All my NHRs are from tsc.They also have great colors.
View attachment 1376381 View attachment 1376387 View attachment 1376388

Your birds are beautiful! Thanks for the info.

I'm going to vote for brahmas. Mine are SO friendly and lay very well. Their feathered legs are beautiful and I love the coloring of my light brahmas. My light brahma roo is absolutely wonderful! He's very respectful of my space, not mean at all and he's not overbearing with my hens.
Good luck!!

Do they eat a lot??

 

[HenHouse4Life]

My light brahmas don't eat any more or less than the rest of my flock. The rooster always eats last as he gets food from the dish for the girls, he's quite a gentleman. They are not particularly noisy birds either.

 

[HenHouse4Life]

This is my light brahma roo

 

[ShrekDawg]

Each bird is an individual, and because of this it seems no matter how many people you ask about a particular breed, they'll hold different opinions. That being said, this is what I have to say about any breeds on your list I've owned over the past few years (based upon my own experience).

Speckled Sussex: GORGEOUS and FLASHY. Will definitely attract attention. Decent layers, though not stellar, of medium brown to pinkish eggs. Mine made up for her production shortcomings by being a complete love bug. She never picked on the other birds, either.

Partridge Rock: Also very lovely with their penciled plumage! Medium brown eggs once again, and better layers than the Speckled Sussex. Rocks overall are one of my favorite breeds on all fronts, for every quality you'd want in a chook. For whatever reason, our Partridge wasn't a nice, friendly girl like the others, but that was simply her own personality.

Wyandottes, all the color varieties mentioned: Out of the 5 I've raised, none are/were aggressive. About half have been affectionate towards their human handlers, and the other half is more flighty. Whether you end up with a loving pet depends, once again, on the individual. "Okay" layers, I'd compare their production level with the Sussex. While most turn out a light tan product, my SLW provided me with shocklingly dark, speckled eggs. Just gorgeous.

Welsummer: WOW, one of my all-time favorites. Their production is FANTASTIC overall, not to mention all the spectacular color added to your cartons. My oldest is 3 1/2 years of age, and she still lays a jumbo-sized egg almost every day. The other isn't as prolific, but her eggs are what I consider "Marans" dark. I shall attach a picture for you. Can't wait for my newest 3 to begin laying!
Far left, Laserbeak's egg, and far right, Annika's:
View attachment 1376408
Personality-wise, I find them to be very friendly birds.

True Ameraucana: I have mixed feelings about this breed.....let's start with the large fowl hens first. My Blue girl, who was hatched with crossbeak, laid tiny, more-green-than-blue eggs infrequently, and had the worst attitude one could imagine. She never let me touch her; screamed bloody murder without hesitation if I tried. The Black was calmer, and produced huge, gorgeous blue eggs with a glowy sheen. Only drawback - she became prone to infections in the egg tract after point of lay, which eventually led to her death from egg yolk peritonitis far too young.
On a lighter note, I LOVE my bitty Wheaten Ameraucana bantam pair to death. Tiny, powder blue eggs appear nearly every day from the hen, and the rooster is as sweet as can be.

Buckeye: Pretty birds, not especially in-your-face personable, but quite docile, and medium production of khaki eggs. I mainly keep them around for novelty factor, as I live in Ohio, where the breed originated. Super cute, though. I have nothing bad to say about Buckeyes! Only tip I'll throw out in case you decide to add any to your flock down the road; keep an eye on them. These birds (who stay at rock bottom of the pecking order) tend to get picked on.

Marans: Another of my go-to breeds, by far. Where do I begin? Their rustic looks add so much to a flock. It's impossible not to become entranced by those striking eyes belonging solely to Marans and no other. Though you might hear otherwise from different sources, mine surprised me with how prolific their production actually is! I'd average things to about 5 eggs per week. And egg color....EGG COLOR is everything! My Black Copper gave me the gorgeous, splotchy, reddish-chocolate eggs of every chicken owner's dreams. I find the Blue Splash to lay something slightly lighter, but every bit as pretty. Personalities as big as the birds themselves, too! It's a wonderful life when you're unable to go anywhere in the yard without curious Marans butting their heads into your business, demanding you halt everything to snuggle them.

Cochin: Only one I have is a bantam, but that still counts, right? Sweet, spunky little girl, full of vim and vinegar and fluff. She lays quite well, and is constantly broody. Thankfully, the others keep her fiery attitude at bay.

Only Brahma I gained experience with was a cockerel, so no comment there. My Leghorns are too young to lay, at the moment, so also nothing to say until they're fully mature.

Are you worried about your established Orpingtons being bullied by newcomers? I find this highly unlikely, as they're older than any new additions (regardless of breed), and will most likely hold their own. Mature hens tend to keep youngsters in line.

~Alex

Thanks for such a detailed reply and description of each bird!

I was worried about the Orps being picked on but I forgot about them being older ha

 

[ShrekDawg]

My light brahmas don't eat any more or less than the rest of my flock. The rooster always eats last as he gets food from the dish for the girls, he's quite a gentleman. They are not particularly noisy birds either.

View attachment 1376506 This is my light brahma roo

That's good to know, thanks! And wow he's really beautiful.

 

[dunnmom]

I had a bad Wyandotte experience. I probably wouldn't choose that if I were paid to. I know lots of people love them and they're beautiful, but mine left a bad taste in my mouth. I keep only Buff Orpingtons at the moment, but I have one on barnyard mix hatching eggs, so we'll see what happens. Lol! I lost my Rocks before I got to integrate them, but would definitely try the breed again. I know nothing of the other breeds you mentioned yet.

 

[ShrekDawg]

I had a bad Wyandotte experience. I probably wouldn't choose that if I were paid to. I know lots of people love them and they're beautiful, but mine left a bad taste in my mouth. I keep only Buff Orpingtons at the moment, but I have one on barnyard mix hatching eggs, so we'll see what happens. Lol! I lost my Rocks before I got to integrate them, but would definitely try the breed again. I know nothing of the other breeds you mentioned yet.

Yeah, the breed seems really hit or miss. Like people either love them or hate them.

You should definitely get another Rock! I love mine. She's very intelligent and a sweet bird.

New Hampshire! https://www.jayecookie.com/2018/05/10-best-chicken-breeds-great-for.html

Thanks! Your article is great and very helpful and it seems like a lot of the breeds I want or already have are on it.