We're starting a small backyard flock. I've done a lot of research on the breeds and have narrowed it down to these: Australorp, Orpington, Sussex, Maran, Americana, Delaware, and Barnevelder. I'd like to know what you guys think. We only want to get 4 hens. Do any of these get along better with others than another? We live in a hot and humid place with mild winters. Are these ok in the heat? Are any of these known to be prone to certain health problems? I mainly want them for egg production and to be pets. I have a 6 year old, so we also would like them to be friendly. They will mostly be in a run but will be able to free range some. We are in a neighborhood, so they need to be fairly quite. I do realize that individual chickens can end up being the total opposite of what you thought, but as a general rule for the breed, which ones would you recommend? Thank you, I've gained a lot of great information from this site.
