[shearling]

looking to start up a new brood. We have had in the past bantums and silkies, all long gone. We would like to have something attractive, good meat, and hopefully to add to a declining population/rare breed. However, they would have to pay their way - as it were - in long run. We could have more than one type and a boy or two too. Have looked in all the books and lost the plot! We intend to start with chickens and when the pond is sorted out maybe ducks?

[BlueDaisy]

Speckled sussex?
Lovely, pretty, friendly, not too common (though I'm not sure they are classed as rare) Girls lay 5-6 eggs a week and boys dress out at 2 - 2.5 kgs at 23 weeks, And the boys are not aggressive when growing on together.

[SallyintNorth]

There used to be a beautiful flock of Speckled Sussex not far from you, shearling.  Shout if you are interested in the breed and I'll tell you where to go have a look!  (Assuming they are still there - I moved away quite a few years ago now.)

[CameronS]

I second any of the sussex breeds!

Also any sussex crosses, i have two wellsummer Light sussex crosses and they are huge, (though i do not intend to eat them) and lay lovley large eggs daily, they didn't even stop in the winter 

[jaykay]

Yep, any Sussex, also any Wyandotte. Girls lay well, boys grow to a sensible size and they're pleasant natured and often pretty too

I keep Buff Sussex and laced Wyandottes, amongst others, and love them