[wayfarer]

It is looking like one of my Pekins is going broody so I want to source some eggs for her to hatch but not bantams.  I would like a good egg layer which ideally lays a large non light brown egg so that I know who has laid the egg.  Autosexing at birth would be an advantage.  I would prefer something smaller than a Maran as I have limited coop space.  I may, of course, be asking for the world but does anyone have any suggestions or can supply me with half a dozen eggs either locally (I live between Reading and Oxford) or by post.

[Ryder]

If you don't mind cross breeds get hatching eggs for Rhode Island red crossed with Barred Plymouth rock (sometimes known as black rock, rhode rock, nera or miss pepperpot).  They lay darkish large eggs, lot's of them, about 300 per year, have an excellent immune system, hens are not that large, and unlike many other hybrids keep on laying regularly for about 5 years and are amazing foragers.  They are my preferred choice of hybrid layers. 

If you want pure breeds that lay lots of darkish large eggs go for Rhode Island Red or barred plymouth rock.

If your not too fussed about how light the egg is, go for Light Sussex, they lay lots of large eggs, but are on the light brown/tinted side.

[devonlad]

another vote for black rock here- lots of brown eggs and cracking little hens.

[AndynJ]

Black rock = yes
Rhode Island red = limited coop space = No
cream legbar = plenty of eggs + blue/green eggs

[Womble]

Rhode Island red = limited coop space = No

Why do you say that Andy? Also aren't Black Rocks are half RIR in any case?

[Carasine]

I've got one Rhode Island Red and she has laid large eggs consistently for the past 4 yrs. I certainly go for more in the future. She is smaller than my other hens (Sussex and Australorps) but lays the largest eggs.
Can't see why they would be a problem with limited coop space, she does dig deep holes in the lawn though if given the chance.