I have to say that when I got my EE's-five pullet chicks-all I was thinking is that the colored eggs may help me sell more eggs to the city slickers at work. I was not very attracted to their "look"-and yes breed, mutt, whatever EEers seem to tend to have a "look"-bea!rds, muff, pea comb-kind of left me "eh". But in answer to your question-YES. My girls are laying like crazy. Now when the time changed production in all dropped to almost nil. So I added a light and voila I have eggs coming out of my ears. My husband said "Turn out the light!" My EE hens lay as well as the more traditional heavy large birds-my wyandottes, brahmas, Orpington and JG. So going from a opportunistic owner I have become an actual fan. I plan to let one of the girls hatch a clutch so not sure if I will have EE x EE or EE x other-all depends on who goes broody. My EE roo is so far a nice boy-gentlemanly, hefty,pea comb, beard, muff, feathered legs. Gimpy from dog attack but respectfull of us. Apparently doing his job but has never ever crowed.
OT but my hens free range and the EEers all survived a dog attack which left several dead and a few badly wounded. They can definitely fend for themselves. Plus the apparently common reddish, laced, brown colors of most of mine probably make them a less obvious target. They are plenty hardy. It has been cold here-twenties for the most part-some single digit dips and howling winds. Pretty tight coop with lots of big windows and only a light four hours a day. Free choice food and water, free range and leftovers. Everyone happy and thriving. I like em.