I too vote mixed flock. I have a small backyard flock but wanted diversity for aesthetic value mostly and to have a more attractive egg basket. I have 1 speckled sussex, 2 EE's, 1 blue andalusian, 1 brown leghorn, 1 black copper maran, 1 barred rock, and 3 buckeyes. 1 mille fleur rooster, 1 golden laced wyandotte rooster, and 1 buckeye rooster. After seeing my flock, my sister decided she wants chickens now too. This spring, I hope to hatch out some very colorful mixes and some pure breed buckeyes.
I don't think one breed gets along better than another. I think its if they are all raised together and starting at what age. I got the leghorn, maran, mille fleur, and wyandotte along with a copper maran rooster at the same time. They were all 2-3 months old when I introduced the newbies. Oscar (my copper maran roo) chased the newbies (sussex, EE's, andalusian) and never let them integrate. When he died (an untimely death) the flock became one united under Goliath (the wyandotte). My newest additions the buckeyes and barred rock I am working on integrating now. Things are going pretty good with only a few sparring matches between Buck (buckeye roo) and Goliath sometimes my bantam thinks he can take him on too. I quickly break it up and whoever started it gets the time out. It is so true chickens each have their very own personalities.
In my first flock, RIP, my speckled sussex and leghorn were true friends. Of course some chickens prefer the company of some over others but I chalk it up to personalities not breeds. Another plus to a mixed flock is my andalusian (somewhat flighty) makes an excellent scout. My leghorn (good forager) leads the others to good foraging areas. My speckled sussex, leghorn, and wyandotte roo like to follow me around which keeps the others close by...it all works out. I can't imagine having a flock of only one breed...imagine a flock of all flighty birds. No thank you!
