Delaware

This calm and friendly chicken breed was developed in 1940 in the U.S. by crossing the Plymouth Rock and the New Hampshire chicken breeds. Created to produce both meat and eggs, the breed declined in popularity over time and is now listed as Threatened by the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy. Delaware chickens are white with black feathers around the neck and on the tip of the tail.

Weight: 6 to 8 pounds

Urban Uses: The Delaware is a dual-purpose bird, producing both meat and eggs.

Egg Size: Large

Second Thoughts: Standard-sized Delaware chickens may be too large for small urban farms

Breed Association: American Poultry Association, Delaware Poultry Club