what akman said: buffs, black astra's, and I will add rocks (any variety is fine). I have these and Easter eggers. All do fine here in GA. Hawks are your biggest problem - aerial attacks are very common, esp from Coopers Hawks. If your coop is open on the top - they are Hawk-food. Put a net over the top. Black Astralorp - world record layers (364 eggs / yr from a single bird!!). Pullets won't lay until 9-10mos old - so if you want instant layers - get some older birds. Lots of water in summertime - if your going to be out of town get an auto-water and feeder. Have someone collect the eggs - if they lay around too long, the birds will start to eat their own eggs.
