Come this spring i'll be getting about 6-8 chicks.But i'm not sure which ones I should go with, I have done my research on most of them,I want hardy breeds,good layers, and docile 1's. Choices: Russion orloff Buckeye cochin Leghorn Easter eggers Sussex Barred rocks If you have another,be glad to comment,please add information!
Nice selection, I would ad Buff Orpingtons and Black Australorps to the list, but that's just my opinion.
I definitely recommend EEs. I love mine. I have one girl who lays for four or five days and then takes just one day off before getting back into the swing of things. So far the other two I have laying seem to be in the same pattern. The only downside to them is they take a while to mature. I have had mine since the beginning of June and they just started laying two weeks ago. But the upside is that when all of mine got out yesterday the EEs came right up to me and let me pick them up to put them back in the coop. The other five breeds I have didn't let me anywhere near them, well the RSL did. I don't know how you feel about Red Sex Links, but I would recommend them too. I only have one but so far she has laid for 11 days straight before taking one day off and then starting back up again.
I have experience with the last four on your list. In order, based on your specifications, I would put Barred rocks first, then Sussex and EEs, and Leghorns last. If you don't know what you would like best, why not get a few of each?
If you want good egg production, I'd cross the cochin off. They're beautiful birds and good mommas, but stellar layers they're not. If you're wanting birds that tolerate being pets, cross the Leghorns off. My hatchery speckled Sussex weren't great layers, but that was a small sample and other folks love them. That leaves you with 5 or 6 breeds to chose from, if you're getting 6-8 chicks, go with one of each and the balance on Easter eggers, cause everyone loves the colored eggs!
