Rhode Island Reds
One of the best known breeds, the RIR is a good layer of large brown eggs and as a dual purpose breed also can supply a fair-sized roaster. 
The hens will rarely go broody and can produce around 260 eggs per year.
Welsomer
Welsomers lay a large dark brown coloured 
egg, but in my opinion the best thing about the welsomer breed is the cockeral , he is stunning , when you close your eyes and vision what would be on the dunghill crowing in the morning ,he is it.
Marans
The Marans is a breed best known for 
the deep mahogany colour of it's eggs. The very dark coloured egg layers tend not to be quite as prolific as for example good Rhode Island Reds . They are a big bird with beautiful grey and black flecking on their plumage. The cockerels are a good size and very useful
for the table. They are slow maturing so the flavour of the meat is wonderful. We find they are relatively quiet birds - not doing as much damage to the ground they range on as some of the laying breeds.
Black Minorcas
These birds are the largest and heaviest of 
the Mediterranean fowl. Males can reach 9 pounds while hens reach 7 1/2 pounds. Utility strains of the breed were excellent layers of large white eggs The breed was developed in England from imported Spanish Castilian fowl. To see them dust bathing in thier new shavings click on this link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IF7X9ZOpAQU
Buff Sussex
Sussex are a very docile bird , they make great pets and are also great broodies they are a reasonable layer and a good table bird also, from our own experience here they are not as heavy on the feed bill as some of our other breeds,other colours include silver,red/brown,colombian and speckled .click on the link below to see our light sussex enjoying themselves
White Leghorn
Probably the best layer of all the pure 
breeds, a white egg of good size .These birds are at their best on a sunny day on grass where their white colour is blinding
Hybrid Commercial Type Hen
These birds are specially bred from excellent laying strains and are the industry type layer ,they are a very docile ,low maintenance type of bird, they are normally available here from us at 18-20 weeks of age which is 4-5 weeks away from starting to lay. they are a particulary good choice for beginners because as with any crossbred animal or bird they are hardier and more disease resistant than pure bred types
