We have chickens too. Whatever you do, DO NOT buy white egg layers such as Leghorns. White eggs have a very thin shell. If the birds aren't
constantly fed calcium supplements they will develop eggs without a shell and merely have a membrane. Also these birds aren't as hardy and very
nervous and flighty.
Ideally you want a brown egg layer. Thicker egg shells, a hardier and calmer bird. Good varieties are Rhode Island Reds, Barred Plymouth Rock,
Columbian Rock or any crossing thereof.
Brown layers will need oyster shell supplements (calcium) from time to time as well, especially during winter. It's available at the feed stores.
Make sure the chickens are protected from attacks by skunks, raccoons, foxes and weasels. Especially during night hours.
Lastly, but not least important: DON'T GET RIPPED OFF by the feed stores. If you know a farmer with his own small grain mill, ask him to custom mill
the feed for you. Although the feed mill's bags have an "analysis" attached to them they will stretch the feed's weight by adding sand. The sand
is what the chickens leave behind in their feeding troughs. This will usually tend to be about a 1/4 - 1/3 of the chicken feed's net weight per
bag.
Good luck...