Andalusian

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Photo Credit: Courtesy Diane McDonald

The rare Andalusian originated in Spain in the mid-1800s. The breed’s only recognized color is blue, but the color doesn’t breed true. Breeding two blue chickens together results in a 50-percent chance of getting a white chicken or a black chicken. Gregor Mendel used this breed to study genetics in the 1800s for this reason. Andalusians are available in standard size and bantam.

Height:

Weight: 6 to 7 pounds

Urban Uses: Andalusians are good layers, producing three eggs per week. They are good coop birds.

Egg Size: Large

Books & Magazines:

American Bantam Association
American Poultry Association

Breeds Poultry Uncategorized Urban Farm Urban Farming

Jersey Giant

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Photo Credit: Courtesy Adamson Acres

The largest recognized chicken breed in the U.S., the Jersey Giant was developed in Burlington County, N.J., in the late 1890s. Bred to be both a meat bird and an egg layer, the Jersey Giant comes in two recognized colors: black and white.

Height:

Weight: 8 to 10 pounds

Urban Uses: Jersey Giants do well in cold weather and lay three eggs per week. They are also a good meat bird.

Egg Size: Large

Books & Magazines:

National Jersey Giant Club
American Poultry Association

Breeds Large Animals Uncategorized Urban Farm Urban Farming

Alpine

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Photo Credit: Photo by Daniel Johnson

The Alpine goat originated in France and was brought to the U.S. in 1922, where it was further developed. Also known as the French Alpine and the Alpine Dairy goat, the breed comes in eight recognized colorations: cou blanc, cou clair, cou noir, sundgau, pied, chamoisee, two-tone chamoisee and broken chamoisee.

Height: 30 to 40 inches

Weight: 135 to 170 pounds

Urban Uses: The Alpine is known for being an excellent dairy goat

Egg Size:

Books & Magazines:

Alpines International Club
American Dairy Goat Association

Animals Breeds Large Animals Uncategorized Urban Farm Urban Farming

LaMancha

The LaMancha is believed to have descended from goats brought by the Spanish to the New World. The breed was further developed in Oregon in the 1930s. Its most distinguishing characteristic is its very short ears, which come in two types: gopher ear or elf ear. It is considered the most popular dairy goat in the U.S., and comes in a variety of colors and patterns. There is also a miniature La Mancha goat breed.

Height: 28 to 30 inches

Weight: 130 to 150 pounds

Urban Uses: LaManchas are good dairy goats that produce milk high in butterfat.

Animals Breeds Large Animals Urban Farm Urban Farming

Nubian

The Nubian goat, also known as the Anglo Nubian, began in the Middle East and North Africa from native milking goats and was further developed in Great Britain in the 1800s. The breed is known for its long ears, which help it stay cool in hot weather. These friendly goats come in a wide variety of colors and patterns. There is also a miniature Nubian goat breed.

Height: 30 to 35 inches

Weight: 135 to 175 pounds

Urban Uses: Nubians are good milking goats.

Breeds Large Animals Urban Farming

Oberhasli

Known as the Swiss Alpine until 1987 when the name was changed to Oberhasli, this breed was developed in Switzerland as a dairy goat. They are known for their distinct coloration of reddish brown with black points and a dorsal stripe, though some are born all black. A small breed called the Mini Oberhasli is the result of crossing Nigerian Dwarf goats with Oberhasli.

Height: 28 to 30 inches

Weight: 120 to 150 pounds

Urban Uses: Oberhasli are bred as dairy goats.

Breeds Large Animals Urban Farm Urban Farming

Nigerian Dwarf

This diminutive breed originates from western Africa. Historians believe the Nigerian Dwarf may have been brought to America on ships as food for large cats in zoos. The Nigerian Dwarf comes in a wide variety of colors and markings. The breed is listed as Recovering on the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy’s Conservation Priority List. .

Height: 17 to 23 inches

Weight: 75 pounds

Urban Uses: The Nigerian Dwarf is a small dairy goat.

Egg Size:

Animals Breeds Poultry Urban Farm Urban Farming

Nankins

One of the oldest breeds of bantam chickens still in existence, the Nankin has been known in England since at least the 1500s. The Nankin was used to create other bantam chicken breeds, including the Sebright. Known for its rich chestnut-colored feathers, the Nankin is a very rare breed. Its status is considered Critical by the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy.

Weight: 1 to 2 pounds

Urban Uses: Nankin hens are broody and are useful in hatching the eggs of less-broody breeds. The breed is attractive and easygoing and tends to flock together tightly.

Egg Size: Small

Animals Breeds Poultry Urban Farm Urban Farming

Javas

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Photo Credit: Courtesy American Livestock Breeds Conservancy

Developed in America during the mid-1800s from chickens of Far Eastern descent, the Java chicken was bred for both meat and egg production. The chicken breed comes in both standard and bantam sizes and is available in two color varieties: black and mottled. The Java chicken’s body type is distinctive, giving it a rectangular appearance and a sloping backline. The breed is listed as Threatened by the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy.

Height:

Weight: 7 to 8 pounds

Urban Uses: The Java is a dual-purpose chicken, providing both meat and eggs.

Egg Size: Medium

Books & Magazines:

American Poultry Association
Java Breeders of America

Animals Breeds Poultry Urban Farm Urban Farming

Delawares

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Photo Credit: Courtesy American Livestock Breeds Conservancy/
Jeanette Beranger

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.

Height:

Weight: 6 to 8 pounds

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

Egg Size: Large

Books & Magazines:

American Poultry Association
Delaware Poultry Club