Will be expanding my standard hen flock next spring, need breed recommendations

[Going Quackers]

I have some! GLW and SLW. They're great birds, integrated well into my flock and they're sweethearts. Mine aren't pushovers but they aren't bossy either. I couldn't tell you about egg production. Mine are just now starting to get red faces.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wyandotte_(chicken)

Here's a link with a bit of info.

I guess you can take White Plymouth Rocks off your list.

If you are interested in eggs, Barred Plymouth Rocks are the best choice. I like the coloring of the Partridge Plymouth Rocks. An average Barred Plymouth rock will produce about 250 eggs a year, and the average Partridge Plymouth Rock will lay about 220 eggs a year. (Wyandottes will lay like the Partridge Plymouth Rocks.) Of course there are individual variations.

Very pretty! okay, high egg production, wow~

 

[Going Quackers]

We enjoy our Wyandotte. She was skiddish as a chick...but my daughter spent a lot of time with her and she is quite easy to handle. She's absolutely charming and shaped like a bowling ball. She is usually first in line for treats and most of the time is our high hen. She's pretty vocal about asking for treats. LOL. Love her actually. Nice to have that comb type in a cold climate as well.

Yes, their unusual shape is worth a snicker but i like that a bit different, i hear they are chatty but i have female calls and the silkie roos are not quiet either. I adore that comb type i think it's the best with our cold, we were 18F the other day.. so while places get colder, this is no hot place right now either. Mind you we can be over 100F in the summer.

 

[Going Quackers]

My favorite in my flock are my Black Australorps they are friendly and great egg layers, one follows me around like a puppy always looking up at me. The roo has a bigger comb and wattles so I put vaseline on his comb and wattles to help prevent frost bite.

Okay, i'll give a look into that ...

The rundown on the first page really gives you the best options...there is a rare breed called American Gamebird that is a great forager and pretty bird, so if you can get your hands on them then that is a possibility. They are decent layers and very self sufficient. I would recommend Australorps though. Great all around bird, very pretty metallic sheen on the feathers, and an awesome layer. They are self sufficient as well.

? hmm that name rings familiar will have to look if that is an option, you too mention these Australorps too off to read further, ty!