Pick my chicks!

[007Sean]

Howdy Jacob Happyto have you join the family. Enjoy your time here at BYC! I use to raise show quality Blacktailed White Japanese but they are not what your looking for to build your flock.

 

[Wickedchicken6]

Hello and welcome to BYC!! It’s so nice to have you join us.

This video may help with learning how to navigate this site.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask one of us.

 

[Susannah4040]

G'day and Welcome, Jacob...when my sons were young they had Silkies - they are a great breed for children, but not so great for eggs etc...

 

[drumstick diva]

Black Australorps and Buff Orpingtons are good breeds but, the buffs aren't as prolific layers as the Australorps.

 

[Pork Pie]

Hello and welcome to BYC. Lots of good advice above. This link may be interesting - https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/category/chicken-breeds.16/

 

[blackdust951]

helloand welcome to Backyard Chickens!we're so happy you've decided to join us hereits great to have you here with us enjoy your time here.

 

[Pjacct]

Hello, and welcome. I have to agree with a lot of the comments here.... Australorp does fit the bill in nearly all of your criteria. If you search around you be able to find some blue Australorps.
We currently have a mixed flock of 5 chicks at 14 weeks and the Australorp is by far the most relaxed but also is good at standing up for itself without being aggressive to the others. We have raised them from 3 week olds.
In saying that, our next spring here in Sydney AU I would love to try the Orpingtons though my husband might kill me if I bring home more.

 

[igorsMistress]

Australorps would be my pick. They're very relaxed, mine are fine with the kids, and lay a brown egg almost every day. You can get them in blue, black and splash. They're heat tolerant too, I live in Phoenix.

 

[Brahma Chicken5000]

I think brahmas would suit your needs. They are friendly, love people, and sweet. They are good layers of lay brown eggs. They are cold hardy. They will do fine in the heat as long as they always have water and shade. Freeze some fruit as a treat for especially hot days. My girls were fine on 90-100 degree days. I highly recommend them. Here is a link to a video of my light brahmas:

 

[N F C]

Since you're just starting off, I'd suggest getting 1 of each breed you're most interested in. That will give you a chance to see the differences in them and a mixed flock is pretty.

Best of luck to you!