Ordering chicks this year- trying to decide what to order

[happyhens]

I want to buy 25 brown egg layers, and 5-10 of something that goes broody a lot. Then I am going to sell my incubator, and continue hatching eggs with these hens the natural way.
Which breeds would you suggest for both categories? I have a few ideas for each, Barred Rocks or Rhode Island Reds as layers, and Bantam Cochins or Old English game birds for brooders. I like the silkies, but I like to allow my chickens to free range quite a bit, and I am afraid silkies wouldn't have much of a chance of getting away from predators. I am open to any suggestions, however. What do you suggest?

 

[BantyChickMom]

BR's are an excellent choice. I have 3 and get about 16 to 18 eggs a week from them.

For broodies, if you don't want silkies, cochins would be the next best thing.

Sex links are excellent layers but i've heard they burn out quicker than other breeds.