New here, new to chickens

[SpottedCrow]

about 20 weeks for your light breeds like Leghorns, Polish and Andalusians.
around 6 months for heavy breeds-RIR, Orps, Brahma, Rocks
Your sexlinks may start between those two times.

As for a starter bird, no offense to Obelisk the Tormentor, but that Leghorn's as cuddly as a rabid cactus...
I'd go for the heavier breeds for their temperment or even an Easter Egger to get the blues, greens and pinks.

 

[Tutter]

Welcome!

If someone told me they had 24 hens, I'd think they had ordered from a hatchery which sells a minimum of 25 in their orders, and 24 is what was left. But that could just be a number after some hatchings, too, or any other number of reasons for that amount.

I don't think I saw Black Australorps mentioned. They are excellent layers. The trio I always have as a base for my flock are: Buff Orpingtons, Barred Rocks, and Black Australorps. But other heavy breeds are nice, and productive, too!

Good Luck!