Which breed for city backyard?

[Foxhound lady]

I have a mixed flock 2 Australops, 1 barred rock, 1 golden comet, and 1 EE. All the girls are pretty quiet, soft clucking osscaninal loud talking at dinner time and when one is seperated from the flock. But nothing near as loud as a barking dog (have those too.)

 

[FrChuckW]

Lot's of people who are backyarders have a mixed flock of birds. Some have a mixed flock of brown eggers others have a mixed flock of white eggers, and some have both. It all depends on what appeals to you as far as what you like your adult hens to look like.

When considering what you want don't forget to take into consideration the temperment of the birds you want to get. Orps are a mellow breed. Some of the others are a bit more active and can be aggressive to other birds. If you get them as chicks and raise them together by the time they are ready to lay they will have established their own pecking order.

 

[kentuckysilkies]

I have some backyard layers. I have a 6 hens all different breeds; it makes it easier to tell them apart and to know who is most productive. If I were going to have only one breed to meet the qualities you mentioned, I would go with Light Brahmas.

 

[seriousbill]

Quote:
They do prefer their own kind (the old saying about "birds of a feather" is generally true), but a small mixed flock usually works out just fine most of the time. It might be a good idea to stick to similar sizes and types since the temperaments and activity levels vary widely. It can help to avoid such things as feather picking and bullying. So, with Orpingtons, you might want to consider Brahmas or Plymouth Rocks as companion breeds.