What breed should I pick? Opinions on these breeds? POLL

[Volkova]

I have some Orpingtons (buff), Araucanas (Rare black-tailed) and Silkies (golden) and I will be expanding my flocks this autumn. Personally, I tend to find I am attracted to the more unusual, rarer breeds. Hybrids are great layers but they just seem a bit basic and boring.

Anyway, I can't seem to find the breed that's for me. I have searched many sites but I don't really trust what the sellers say.

I am looking/hoping for:

• Good if not average lay rate
• Friendly
• A Unique appearance
• Tame-able
• More resistant to disease (other animals and chickens are on my farm) *VERY IMPORTANT*
• Something that is popular with people.
• Medium to Large eggs (or even larger!)

I am not concerned about:

• Broodiness (Getting an incubator and I will hopefully have some broody Orps or Silkies by then
  
  )
• Weather resistance (I live in the UK, no extreme weather, well, not usually)
• Egg colour

I do not wish to have a chicken that:

• Aggressive (although I understand roosters can be!)
• Has any naked parts (naked neck, I'm pointing at you!)
• Dies from defect (although that's sometimes avoidable)

Ok. Sorry about that demanding list of requirements, I would be willing to adjust it. From most searches, I have found the Poland/Polish. Are they a good breed for me?

 

[KristenG]

I voted for cream legbars because they are very unique in their appearance, are supposed to be very good layers of green eggs and from what I've heard are very hardy. I have no personal experience with them, but I know I'd be taking a second look if something like that showed up in my neighborhood. Not only that, they are supposed to be an autosexing breed, meaning you can tell the sexes apart at hatch - how cool is that!?

Some of the other breeds do have their own look as well, but they are so common (where I live) that I barely take a second glance at them anymore. These include: Polish, Cochins, Wyandotte, Welsummer, Dutch bantams and Marans.

I liked the idea of Sultan but I know very little about them. I do not envision them as good layers since they are not a dual purpose or common egg laying breed, nor were they developed from such. But that is just supposition. I guess they would be my second vote for you.

Appenzellar Spitzhaubens are good producers, pretty and unusual but most of the ones I've met have been kinda on the crazy side. Good foragers though.

Good luck!

Kristen