Which to keep?

[WalkingOnSunshine]

Chickens that are originally from the Mediterranean or Middle East will do best in San Diego. One way to figure out where a chicken breed came from is to look at the combs. Breeds with larger combs were developed in hotter climates, as chickens use their combs to dissipate excess heat. Your Leghorn is a Mediterranean chicken and will tolerate heat better than the others.

I would still not keep him, however--no matter how pretty. My brown Leghorn pullets didn't lay their first eggs until they were a full year old. I finally gave them away for free to a woman who had lost her flock. If you look them up, the brown variety of Leghorns is reputed to not lay nearly as well as their white cousins, so it's not just me. Even the descriptions from the hatchery say they only lay three eggs a week. http://www.mypetchicken.com/chicken-breeds/Leghorn-Non-White-B66.aspx

 

[ChickenCanoe]

I've never had brown leghorns but I have had blacks and they laid as well as whites. Surprisingly, one of the blacks went broody often and raised 3 clutches for me.

 

[WillB]

Thanks for all the replys. It helps in making a decision, which I have to make soon!

Two people in this thread alone said the brown leghorns were not the best layers, so I don't think I will keep him.
The easter egger I don't currently have a hen for, and they are a hybrid and not a true breed.
I am still leaning toward the Maran since they are good layers, decent sized birds, and the big rooster can hopefully keep the ground squirrels away!

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Another thing to consider is the Easter egger will give you green, khaki and olive eggers in his offspring.