what is the best brown egg layer ??

Probably Black Australorps. Although some people have had sex-links go broody, and they are often quite friendly.

Kathleen

 

I would have to say Buff Orpington if you want a layer that will for sure go broody. Barred Rocks might, and some SL Wyandottes

Most other brown egg layers now are bred more for production and one of the traits to breed out is broodiness.

 

I'd say Australorps... but I've never owned one.

For simple egg production, you can't beat a Black Sex link... my black star has only missed laying one day now since October 1st.

 

We make our own sex links with a RIR roo and BR hens, I think they are probably the best layers. We have BO's but they don't lay many eggs in a year, also our Black Astros seem to take a long time to lay and they are in the same pens as all the others. The sexlinks can be freindly and quiet OR loud and mean, it can go both ways, I think that applies to most breeds. I have BO's that are so loud after they lay, I just want to put a muzzle on them. I have had more BO's go broody than any of my other breeds.

 

Buff Orpingtons. Mine have laid an extra large egg nearly everyday since they were old enough to lay this summer and haven't slowed down, even with the cold weather and shorter days without artificial light to encourage them.

 

My RIR is the only hen I have still laying in this freezing weather. One a day like clockwork!

 

Quote:At what age did they start laying ? [ Nothing implied , just curious about the breed and variety ]

Also , do black or whites orps generally perform on par with the buffs ?

 

Buff Orpingtons! Mine go broody, and lay wonderfully.
mine come up to me and rub against my legs like a kitty cat.