Before starting out , I researched chicken breeds as much as possible. I looked at Dark Cornish, Black Javas, and Speckled Sussex. These seemed to meet my requirements: A) Meat bird, B)Dual purpose bird w/ emphasis on meat production, C) Good foraging capabilities, D) Hens would raise chicks.
The Black Javas were my first choice, but they are difficult to find, and the few I did find were expensive. Dark Cornish were my next choice,until I saw how pretty the Speckled Sussex were! They were simply gorgeous! It's not like me to be swayed by such sentimentality, but what can I say? JA