Which breeds should I look into getting?

[SmallCityChicken]

We recently had to rehome our chicks, having them in the house was causing my daughter's allergies to flare & there was no way to keep them outside at their age in this weather
They went to live with a coworker who we know & trust to take care of them.
But! I fully intend to start again in spring, the coop will be finished & from what I'm told as long as they are not in the house my kid should be fine.
So now I'm thinking since I have all this time on my hands I should explore what breeds or hybrids I should get & who better to ask than you folks?!
Here are the things I'm hoping for, I'm not picky really, but I would like them to be adaptable to our climate.
1) Good egg production. This will be our main take away form them & we would like to sell some too.
2) A dual purpose breed if possible, something at least 5lbs.
3) Tolerant of cold & hot, it can get & stay below freezing here on a bad winter - it can also get & stay above 100 during a hot summer. I can provide shade & shelter, but I don't want something sensitive to hot or cold.
4) Something that lives well in dry environments, it can go from May to October without rain during a dry year. I would of course provide water, but like a duck probably wouldn't be for us lol
5) Not aggressive & semi-quiet, I live in town We also don't plan on keeping any roosters.
6) Full size, no bantams.
7) Colored eggs. This isn't a requirement, more of a hope, I love the different colored eggs
8) Cheap, I mean not cheap but I'm not likely to buy the breed that costs hundreds of dollars per bird

Any suggestions?

 

[N F C]

This is an older article from the Learning Center, but it might give you a place to start:
pickin-the-right-frickin-chicken-guide-to-picking-backyard-chicken-breeds.64518

Mypetchicken.com also has a breed recommender tool also.

Have fun, researching is a great way to spend the winter!

 

[Wolfefarmyard]

Olive Eggers might be a good fit, in my experience, they’re a bit bigger than Easter Eggers so they are heavier.

Although my next pick would be EEs for you.

 

[Ted_Harrell]

I wonder if there are birds that allergy sufferers aren't bothered by?

 

[AltonaAcres]

I personally like mixed breeds. No two look alike, and they have really interesting egg laying colors, feather patterns, and personalities. They are cheap and easy to find as well.

 

[ValerieJ]

My vote is for Buff Orpingtons. They are my favorite bird by far. Good tempered, good sized, and lay an egg a day when they aren't molting. Well, they will slow down in winter if you don't add light to the coop for a few hours. I am in WA and they do well in all weather here.

 

[Ted_Harrell]

Australorps, if you want my vote.

 

[SmallCityChicken]

I wonder if there are birds that allergy sufferers aren't bothered by?

I don't know but I will be looking into that too. We aren't sure if she's reacting to the chickens, their dust/poop/whatever, or the bedding (we used Aspen, then Pine).
She's eaten chicken & eggs with no problem so we don't think it will be a problem once they are outdoors. Part of the problem might be her weird premature baby immune system, according to her doctors preemies systems react differently.
Edit: she's eaten eggs in stuff, she refuses to eat them straight & always has.

 

[Ted_Harrell]

probably the dust...

 

[CCUK]

White leghorns. Definitely! Hands down they have been by far my best egg layers. They don't eat as much as the other hens and are twice as productive. They haven't gone broody which is great for me. They haven't caused me any problems at all. When my numbers start to dwindle I'll be replacing with them.