Best breed for urban farm?

[mtnviewfarms]

I have Australorps, Barred Rocks, Welsummers, Buff Orpingtons and EEs. Based on my experience and your specified needs, I would recommend giving Australorps and Buff Orpingtons a try. I've raised all from eggs I've hatched and from day old from Meyer hatchery and done research on breed characteristics and my experience with Barred Rocks is that they are extremely social among themselves but not so much with humans, not aggressive, just don't want to be messed with/touched. Welsummers are great birds but don't lay as well as Australorps and Orpingtons and are also people shy.

 

[Frizzle13]

I think something placid and traditional like orpingtons or Sussex are always great

 

[FenikT]

I have three Cornish and two Easter Eggers. The Cornish are more social toward me than the EEs. The Cornish don't mind the occasional back or butt scratch and despite being a bit fussy when picked up, they just as soon forget the handling ordeal and gather around my feet looking for a handout if I call at them. The EEs are a bit skittish still (only had them a few weeks), but are now following the Cornish's lead when it comes to handouts. The Cornish are related hatchlings and all are laying (two lay daily, while the third is an every 2-3 day layer). The EEs have yet to start laying and were acquired from someone looking to downsize his out-of-hand flock. I think their skittish nature was the result of their previous environment and not related to the breed's routine personality.

 

[spotsplus]

I like the Rhode Island Reds. I buy all my chickens as chicks and handle them a lot and now they all come running when they see me and follow me around. I have to watch where I'm stepping so I don't step on any toes!

Tammie