I recommend Dominque hens. They are a small breed that is a very thrifty eater, forages very well, and lays early. They are also the oldest American breed.

Welsumers are OUTSTANDING foragers, are larger bodied so they can double as meat birds, but were slow to start laying.

Delawares are big dual purpose birds that lay big eggs. They are faster to start laying than Welsumers but slower than Doms.

All three of our breeds go broody.