Vicki--in addition to the RI Reds and Barred Rocks we had, my wife bought three black bantams, two hens and a rooster. Bantams are small, specialty breeds and are acquired for pets. The hens were sweet and laid tiny eggs. The rooster was cute enough, but he did tend to attack you (without serious injury) when you weren't expecting it. If you get your boy a couple of hens, you can do without the rooster since the hens will lay infertile eggs without benefit of masculine attention.
Vicki--in addition to the RI Reds and Barred Rocks we had, my wife bought three black bantams, two hens and a rooster. Bantams are small, specialty breeds and are acquired for pets. The hens were sweet and laid tiny eggs. The rooster was cute enough, but he did tend to attack you (without serious injury) when you weren't expecting it. If you get your boy a couple of hens, you can do without the rooster since the hens will lay infertile eggs without benefit of masculine attention.