Over time I've come to share the same opinion. I like breeds that lay less frequently, but lay for a longer period of time. My oldest girls are brahmas. They are both six and both still laying good quality eggs as of this summer! I even hatched a couple of babies from them. I have leghorns too, but they are about two years old now and lay the wackiest eggs. Their egg quality just plummeted. Huge, misshapen, thin-shelled eggs with runny whites. Same thing can happen with other egg laying hybrids. I'd say my barred rock was my best layer. She had the longest laying season, laid frequently and laid large eggs. She was the last to molt. Sadly she passed away too young, of an unknown cause that was not likely reproductive-related, so I can't speak for the duration of her laying abilities. She was also a sweet, friendly girl who was willing to be picked up. Great for kids (and same with the brahmas).
