Instructions
Determine the characteristics you want in a laying hen. Begin with eggs. You may want heavy egg producers for a large family, or moderate producers for a smaller household. Some hens lay large eggs, others medium; some lay white eggs while others lay brown eggs, or eggs in exotic colors.
Screen for broodiness. Some prolific hens attempt to hide their eggs from you and hatch a clutch of chicks. This is fine for chicken breeders, but not for a small egg-producing flock.
Determine the temperament you want in your backyard chickens. Some prefer docile, easily-handled birds, others prefer theirs feisty and territorial. If you live near a wooded area, docile chickens may prove an easy meal for small predators.
Consider environmental factors. If you live in New England or the Midwest, the birds will need to tolerate the cold. If you're in the Southwest, heat tolerance is more important.
Consult an authoritative website or reference work for detailed information on as many breeds as you can find.
Select a handful of candidate breeds that fit your criteria. Speak to local growers, your county extension agent or your local feed store, and ask which breeds on your list -- or not on your list -- are most often raised in your area, and why.
Make a final decision, combining your personal research with the feedback you've received. The result should be a breed that meets your personal requirements and is also suited to your local climate.