As far as breed types and strains, the Freedom Ranger hatchery in Pennsylvania has New Hamps from a good strain available, consider looking at them. The few buff Plymouth Rocks from MMcM hatchery we had were nice big birds too.
Selecting for high egg production, something that tends to make sense for any hatchery, will favor smaller birds generally. Selecting for fast growth is good, but not necessarily the same thing as selecting for very large. Brahmas tend to be very big birds, another option.
We like the Chanties, who get pretty big, and are good egg producers, and still can fly up to roosts and are wary.
Try some birds of interesting breeds and see what you like!
Mary
Selecting for high egg production, something that tends to make sense for any hatchery, will favor smaller birds generally. Selecting for fast growth is good, but not necessarily the same thing as selecting for very large. Brahmas tend to be very big birds, another option.
We like the Chanties, who get pretty big, and are good egg producers, and still can fly up to roosts and are wary.
Try some birds of interesting breeds and see what you like!
Mary
