Roosters

[joshuaj]

[I'm do as much research as I possibly can on what breed I want to purchase.
I know I want a dual purpose, cold hardy, large, and good layer.
I plan to free range the chickens and I'm wanting a breed with a good protect rooster. Protective, but one that isn't going to attack the kids every chance he gets. My youngest are 10 so they aren't little, little kids.

 

[QueenMisha]

I would highly recommend an Orpington for your purposes. They are everything you described, and in addition to the common Buff Orpington, if you find a breeder you can get rarer colors like Black, Blue, Jubilee, etc.

I've got 12 roos at the moment, and 2 of them are pure Orps, while the third is an Orp cross. Here are my boys.

The Jubilee is Benedict, my flock leader, the Crele is Hugh, and the black is Mads.

 

[Michael OShay]

I agree with QueenMisha. An Orpington would be an excellent choice for your rooster. Another excellent choice would be an Australorp which were originally bred using Orpingtons. They are slightly smaller than Orpingtons but better layers (which would be bred into your flock). Both breeds are generally very calm and gentle with kids. Our children and granddaughter (pictured in my avatar) made lap pets of both breeds. )