To anyone getting new chooks, I would advise you to avoid commercial layer type hens - ISA browns, etc at all costs! They are bred to lay and lay lots and lots, but that also means they are very prone to reproductive cancers, etc. I went through some very devistating losses of beloved chookies early in my keeping years - all ISAs. I decided to go pures and crosses of pures from then on and have not had any deaths or even illnesses since!