Are you dreaming of fresh eggs every morning from your own backyard? As a chicken enthusiast who’s spent years raising different breeds I can tell you that choosing the right egg-laying chicken makes all the difference! Not all chickens are created equal when it comes to egg production, and finding that perfect balance between high egg yield and friendly personalities can be a game-changer for your homestead.
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through the absolute best egg-laying chicken breeds ranked by their annual egg production Whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced chicken keeper looking to optimize your flock, this article will help you choose the perfect feathery companions for consistent, abundant eggs!
How Many Eggs Do Chickens Typically Lay?
Before diving into specific breeds, let’s talk numbers. On average, laying hens produce between 120 and 350 eggs annually, depending on:
- Breed genetics
- Diet quality
- Environmental conditions
- Age of the chicken
- Overall health and stress levels
The highest-producing breeds can deliver an egg almost daily, while others might give you 3-4 eggs weekly. In a well-managed backyard flock, you can typically expect about one egg from two chickens each day.
When Do Chickens Start Laying Eggs, and For How Long?
Most chickens begin laying eggs between 16-24 weeks of age, though this varies by breed. Once they start, a healthy backyard chicken can provide eggs for approximately 5-10 years, with peak production usually occurring in their first 2-3 years.
My neighbor James, who’s been raising chickens for over a decade, shared with me that most of his hens started laying at around 5-6 months old. He noticed that egg production naturally declines after the third year – “It’s a natural cycle,” he explained. “They start slowly, peak, and then gradually produce fewer eggs as they age.”
Top 20 Best Egg Laying Chicken Breeds (Ranked by Annual Egg Yield)
Now, let’s get to the stars of the show! Here are the top 20 egg-laying chickens ranked by their annual egg production:
1. ISA Brown
- Annual Egg Yield: 300-350 eggs
- Egg Color: Light brown
- Egg Size: Large
- Starts Laying: Around 22 weeks
ISA Browns are hybrid chickens developed in France and are absolute egg-laying powerhouses. They’re known for their reddish-orange plumage with white legs and bright red combs. While they start laying a bit later than some breeds, they more than make up for it with their consistent production!
2. Lohmann Brown
- Annual Egg Yield: 290-320 eggs
- Egg Color: Brown
- Egg Size: Large
- Starts Laying: Around 19 weeks
These prolific layers are a result of crossbreeding Rhode Island and White Rock chickens. Their eggs are known for high fertility and hatchability, making them great if you’re interested in breeding as well.
3. White Leghorn
- Annual Egg Yield: 280-320 eggs
- Egg Color: White
- Egg Size: Large
- Starts Laying: Around 18 weeks
Originating from Italy, Leghorns (especially the white variety) are industry favorites for a reason! They produce approximately 280-320 large white eggs annually, which translates to 4-6 eggs weekly. They’re friendly and docile but prefer having space to roam rather than being confined.
4. Sapphire Gem
- Annual Egg Yield: 280-300 eggs
- Egg Color: Brown
- Egg Size: Large
- Starts Laying: 4-6 months
Also known as Blue Plymouth Rock, these stunning blue-colored birds start laying around 5 eggs per week at just 4-6 months old. They’re cost-effective to maintain and have gentle personalities, making them perfect for families with children.
5. Golden Comet
- Annual Egg Yield: 250-300 eggs
- Egg Color: Light brown
- Egg Size: Medium to large
- Starts Laying: Around 16 weeks
Golden Comets are early layers, starting as young as 16 weeks! They’re quiet, adaptable to various climates, and don’t need much space – perfect for suburban backyards. I’ve found these to be amazingly consistent layers throughout the year.
6. Rhode Island Red
- Annual Egg Yield: 250-300 eggs
- Egg Color: Brown
- Egg Size: Medium to large
- Starts Laying: Around 18 weeks
Rhode Island Reds are dual-purpose birds excelling at both egg production and meat. They’re hardy, easy to care for, and make excellent foragers. My first flock consisted of Rhode Island Reds, and I was collecting almost an egg daily from each hen – truly impressive!
7. Sussex
- Annual Egg Yield: 240-280 eggs
- Egg Color: Cream, light brown
- Egg Size: Large
- Starts Laying: Around 20 weeks
Sussex chickens come in eight beautiful color varieties and are known for their easygoing temperament. What I love about Sussex hens is they continue laying even during winter months when other breeds might take a break.
8. Easter Egger
- Annual Egg Yield: 200-280 eggs
- Egg Color: Various (green, blue, olive, pink, tan, cream)
- Egg Size: Medium
- Starts Laying: 5-6 months
If you’re looking for colorful eggs, Easter Eggers are the way to go! These hybrid chickens lay eggs in beautiful shades of green, blue, olive, pink, tan, and cream. They’re friendly, sociable, and perfect for beginners.
9. Australorp
- Annual Egg Yield: 200-260 eggs
- Egg Color: Light brown
- Egg Size: Medium
- Starts Laying: 6-7 months (22-24 weeks)
These Australian-bred utility fowls hold a world record – an Australorp hen once laid 364 eggs in 365 days! They may start laying a bit later than other breeds but maintain consistent production until about their fourth year.
10. Hamburg
- Annual Egg Yield: 200-250 eggs
- Egg Color: White
- Egg Size: Medium
- Starts Laying: 4-5 months
Hamburg chickens combine excellent egg-laying with superior foraging skills. They adapt well to cold weather and are low-maintenance, making them ideal for busy homesteaders. Just note that they’re not typically broody, so you’ll need an incubator if you want to hatch chicks.
11. Wyandotte
- Annual Egg Yield: 200-250 eggs
- Egg Color: Cream, brown
- Egg Size: Large
- Starts Laying: 5-6 months (20-24 weeks)
Wyandottes are beautiful dual-purpose birds with striking feather patterns. They’re cold-hardy and make excellent mothers if you’re interested in hatching chicks. However, I should warn you – some Wyandottes (particularly Silver Laced) can have fiery personalities and might be aggressive toward flock mates.
12. Plymouth Rock (Barred Rock)
- Annual Egg Yield: 200-280 eggs
- Egg Color: Brown
- Egg Size: Large
- Starts Laying: 18-22 weeks
Plymouth Rocks, especially the Barred variety, are truly excellent all-around chickens. They handle both heat and cold well, have docile personalities, and are easy to handle. My chicken named Happy is a Barred Rock, and she’s been laying consistently for over 2½ years! They’re perfect for families and beginners.
13. Ancona
- Annual Egg Yield: 180-220 eggs
- Egg Color: White
- Egg Size: Medium
- Starts Laying: About 20 weeks
These Italian-origin birds have stunning black plumage speckled with white tips. They maintain consistent egg production up to their fourth year but typically aren’t broody hens.
14. Barnevelder
- Annual Egg Yield: 170-200 eggs
- Egg Color: Dark brown, chocolate
- Egg Size: Medium
- Starts Laying: Around 8 months
Hailing from the Netherlands, Barnevelders continue laying even during winter. They have excellent predator evasion instincts, making them durable and dependable farm companions.
15. Marans
- Annual Egg Yield: 150-200 eggs
- Egg Color: Dark chocolate brown
- Egg Size: Large
- Starts Laying: 5-6 months
Originating from France, Marans lay some of the darkest brown eggs of any chicken breed. They’re winter-hardy and very docile. My French Black-Copper Marans, Big Betsy, produces gorgeous dark chocolate eggs that always impress visitors!
Hybrid vs. Heritage Chickens: What’s the Difference?
When selecting egg-laying chickens, you’ll encounter both hybrid and heritage breeds. Here’s what makes each special:
Benefits of Hybrid Chickens:
- Higher egg production (often 250-350 eggs annually)
- Earlier maturity and egg-laying
- Consistent egg size and quality
- Greater adaptability to different environments
- Often more feed-efficient
Benefits of Heritage Chickens:
- Better genetic diversity
- Generally hardier and more disease-resistant
- Longer laying lifespan (though often fewer eggs per year)
- More diverse egg colors and sizes
- Often better foraging abilities
How to Keep Egg Production High
Want to maximize your chickens’ laying potential? Here are my top tips:
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Provide comfortable nesting boxes – One box per 3-4 hens, kept clean and with soft bedding.
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Maintain optimal health – Regular check-ups, vaccinations, and parasite control.
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Ensure balanced nutrition – High-quality layer feed with adequate protein (16-18%) and calcium supplements.
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Keep stress levels low – Protect from predators, avoid overcrowding, and minimize handling during laying hours.
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Implement proper lighting – Hens need 14-16 hours of light daily to lay consistently; consider supplemental lighting during winter.
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Maintain adequate hydration – Fresh, clean water at all times (eggs are mostly water!).
In my early chicken-keeping days, I made the mistake of placing my coop near a busy street. Even with top egg-laying breeds like Wyandottes, production was disappointing. When I moved the coop to a quieter location, egg production immediately improved – my hens went from occasional layers to consistent producers hitting 250 eggs yearly!
Best Egg Layers for Beginners
If you’re just starting your chicken journey, I recommend these beginner-friendly breeds:
- Plymouth Barred Rock – Docile, hardy, and consistent layers of large brown eggs (200-250 annually)
- Rhode Island Red – Easy to care for with excellent egg production (250-300 annually)
- Australorp – Friendly birds that lay approximately 250 eggs yearly
- Buff Orpington – Super friendly “puppy dogs” of the chicken world that lay 150-200 eggs annually
- Easter Egger – Friendly personalities with colorful eggs (200-280 annually)
FAQ About Egg-Laying Chickens
What Chicken Lays the Most Eggs Per Year?
The ISA Brown is widely regarded as the champion egg layer, producing an impressive 300-350 eggs annually. These hybrid chickens were specifically developed for commercial egg production.
Can Chickens Really Lay Two Eggs a Day?
While rare, some chickens like Anconas and Wyandottes occasionally lay two eggs in a single day. However, this isn’t typical or sustainable long-term. Most hens need about 24-26 hours to form an egg.
What Are the Most Colorful Egg Layers?
If you want a rainbow egg basket, consider these breeds:
- Easter Eggers – Green, blue, olive, pink, tan, or cream eggs
- Ameraucanas – Blue eggs
- Araucanas – Blue or green eggs
- Olive Eggers – Olive green eggs
- Marans – Dark chocolate brown eggs
Conclusion
Choosing the best egg-laying chicken breed comes down to balancing production needs with your specific situation. Whether you prioritize quantity (ISA Browns, Leghorns), colored eggs (Easter Eggers, Olive Eggers), or friendly personalities (Plymouth Rocks, Buff Orpingtons), there’s a perfect chicken breed waiting for you!
My personal recommendation for most backyard chicken keepers is to start with a mix of 2-3 reliable breeds like Plymouth Barred Rocks, Rhode Island Reds, and Easter Eggers. This gives you a good variety of egg colors, consistent production, and friendly birds that will make your chicken-keeping journey enjoyable.
Remember, happy chickens lay more eggs – so provide them with proper nutrition, comfortable housing, and a little TLC, and they’ll reward you with a steady supply of delicious, farm-fresh eggs!
What’s your experience with egg-laying chickens? Drop a comment below about your favorite breeds!
Rhode Island Red
A gentle breed that produces large brown eggs, the Rhode Island Red (named for the state, which was influential to the breeds development) is one of the United States biggest contributions to chicken keeping. Its a popular breed for a good reason—these are attractive birds that are terrific layers. Like the Leghorn, youll find industrial and heritage varieties of the breed, with the industrial birds more effective as egg producers and the heritage breed more of a dual-purpose breed.2 (“Dual-purpose” means the breed can be utilized for both meat and egg production).
Back when it was very common for the average family to raise chickens, the large Plymouth Rock breed was among the most popular in the United States. It was popular because this dual-purpose bird is easy to care for and gentle to work with. Add in the fact that Plymouth Rock hens will produce about four eggs a week (200 per year), and you have a winning combination.
In addition to their status as a top egg-layer (one record-setting hen once laid an astonishing 364 eggs in a single year!), Australorps feature black and green, iridescent feathers and produce brown eggs.3 Its no surprise that this Australian breed has a large fan base.
Red Star chickens (also known as Red Sex-Links because the sex of the chicks can be easily determined after hatching) are a hybrid variety of chicken, created by crossing two specific breeds. Theyre fantastic egg producers, capable of laying 300 eggs a year.
The Orpington is quick to mature, friendly, easy to raise, and produces over 200 eggs a year. Whats not to like about them? Developed in Britain, the Orpington is most well-known for the buff coloring, although they do come in other, less common colors. The Orpington is also popular as a show chicken.4
Spanish (White-Faced Black Spanish)
Chickens arent native to North America; theyre domesticated fowl from Asia. The Spanish chicken was one of the first to be imported to the U.S., where it appeared in poultry shows as far back as the 1850s. In addition to its reputation as a good egg layer, the combination of its black body and white face makes this a strikingly beautiful bird.
The Sussex chicken is another British breed. The Sussex can do it all—its a meat bird, an egg layer, and a fun bird for poultry shows. Its a rare breed and not necessarily for beginners, but in some cases, Sussex hens can produce 250 eggs every year.
The Chantecler was developed in Canada in the early 1900s with the specific purpose of creating a hardy breed that would perform well in the countrys northern climate5. It is a docile chicken that is a good layer. The Chantecler possesses small combs and wattles, which make it well suited to colder climates.
The Brahma is a large but gentle breed, weighing about 10 pounds or more. Brahmas are good egg layers, and a little unique in their ability to continue laying eggs regularly even in the winter months when many other breeds either stop laying or lay at a reduced rate.
With so many amazing breeds to choose from, getting started with chickens is definitely an egg-citing endeavor! Enjoy those eggs!
- Hotaling, Ana. Hobby Farms. “Poultry Profiles: Get to Know the Leghorn Chicken Breed.” https://www.hobbyfarms.com/leghorn-chicken-breed-facts/
- The Happy Chicken Coop. “Rhode Island Red: What to Know Before Buying One.” https://www.thehappychickencoop.com/rhode-island-red/
- Oklahoma State University. “Poultry Breeds – Australorp Chickens.” http://afs.okstate.edu/breeds/poultry/chickens/australorp
- Arcuri, Lauren. The Spruce. “Orpington (Buff Orpington).” https://www.thespruce.com/chicken-breeds-orpington-or-buff-orpington-3016551
- The Livestock Conservancy. “Chantecler Chicken.”http://www.livestockconservancy.org/index.php/heritage/internal/chantecler