My dad always had a lot of Rhode Island Reds. And a few bantys. I hated those mean little blankety blanks. The Reds were always nice to handle. I don't remember what the meat birds were, only that they were white.

My paternal grandfather always had Barred Plymouth Rock and Buff Cochins for layers along with rainbow variety of fancy chickens for his amusement.

I would love to get into raising a few layers and meat birds but at this point in time it's not feasible. I have plenty of room for it and several around this tiny town have chickens. With jumbo eggs $1.97 a dozen at Winco, it kind takes the incentive out of raising layers. Of course the quality of eggs from home raised is far above anything you can get in the store.