For backyard chicken keepers, one of the most important considerations when choosing a breed is identifying the best laying chickens that will provide a steady supply of delicious fresh eggs. With so many breeds to pick from, it can get overwhelming trying to determine which hens are the top egg producers. This guide breaks down the key factors to consider when selecting the best chicken breeds for eggs.
Egg Production Rates Vary by Breed
The number of eggs a chicken lays can vary significantly depending on the breed. On average, most hens lay anywhere from 180-320 eggs per year. However, some superstar egg layers like the Leghorn can produce closer to 300 eggs annually. Heritage breeds tend to be on the lower end of the spectrum, with 120-180 eggs per year. Crossbreeds and hybrids have been specifically developed for maximizing egg production and regularly surpass the 200 egg mark.
When researching breeds, look for specifics on the average annual egg yields Also, find out when they start laying, as some breeds mature and begin laying sooner than others To get a steady daily supply, focus on breeds with high production rates that start early.
Prioritize Consistency
While some hens have the potential for very high egg yields, consistent, dependable laying ability is just as important. Look for breeds described as steady producers that lay regularly, without prolonged breaks or dips in production. Hens that occasionally go broody and stop laying for weeks to sit on eggs are not ideal if you need a constant egg supply
Crossbreeds and hybrids like sex links and stars tend to be consistent layers, as they’ve been bred specifically for steady, high-volume egg production. Reliably getting 4-6 eggs per week from each hen will better meet the needs of most backyard flock owners.
Consider Egg Color
While flavor and nutrition are generally the same across colors, many flock owners enjoy the variety and appeal of differently colored eggs. Common options include white, brown blue green, pink, and olive or cream colored eggs.
If a colorful egg basket is a priority, breeds like Ameraucana, Araucana, Easter Egger, and Olive Egger are good options. Orpingtons and Rhode Island Reds lay large brown eggs. White eggs tend to come from lighter bird breeds like Leghorns and Anconas.
Factor in Egg Size
Some chicken breeds lay extra large or jumbo sized eggs, while others produce smaller pullet sized eggs. This may or may not be a significant consideration for you. If you do a lot of baking, larger eggs can be a plus. Smaller eggs can be appreciated for portion control.
In general, larger bird breeds like Orpingtons and Plymouth Rocks tend to lay bigger eggs, while smaller birds like bantams lay more petite sized eggs. However, focus more on overall production rates rather than size alone when picking your best layers.
Assess Disposition and Care Needs
Consider a breed’s reputation for docility and friendliness if you plan to have close contact with your chickens. Aggressive birds won’t be fun to handle or collect eggs from.
Also, factor in any special care requirements regarding temperature tolerances, predator awareness, confinement vs free-ranging, and health issues. Hardy, low-maintenance breeds like Plymouth Rocks, Orpingtons, and Wyandottes make ideal beginner-friendly laying hens.
Review the Most Popular Excellent Layers
Below are 12 of the most prolific egg producing chicken breeds to consider:
Rhode Island Red
- Heritage breed, large fowl
- Up to 300 brown eggs annually
- Excellent dual purpose bird for both eggs and meat
- Docile, hardy, and cold tolerant
Leghorn
- Heritage Mediterranean breed
- 300+ large white eggs per year
- Lively forager but can be flighty
- Prefers free-ranging over confinement
Australorp
- Originated in Australia, calm disposition
- 250 light brown eggs annually
- Thrives in cold and hot climates
- Not prone to broodiness
Sussex
- Heritage English breed, dual purpose
- Up to 280 large light brown eggs per year
- Docile, quiet, easy to handle
- Does well in any environment
Buff Orpington
- Calm, friendly English breed
- Consistently lays 180-250 brown eggs per year
- Makes a good broody mother
- Prefers cooler temperatures
Plymouth Rock
- American dual purpose breed
- 200-280 large brown eggs annually
- Docile personality, not very broody
- Adaptable to varying climates
Easter Egger
- Hybrid breed, lavish colored eggs
- Average of 250 colorful eggs per year
- Friendly, excellent foraging abilities
- Hardy and low maintenance
Sapphire Gem
- Hybrid breed, cross of Plymouth Rock
- Up to 300 large brown eggs annually
- Docile, calm, kid-friendly
- Low cost breed to keep
Welsummer
- Heritage Dutch breed
- 160-200 reddish-brown eggs per year
- Friendly, not prone to broodiness
- Require minimal space
Marans
- French heritage breed
- 150-200 dark chocolate brown eggs annually
- Calm, can be broody
- Adaptable to confinement or free-range
Wyandotte
- American heritage breed, dual purpose
- 200-250 cream/brown eggs per year
- Docile, makes a good broody mother
- Cold hardy and resilient
Ameraucana
- Heritage breed, lays blue/green eggs
- Around 250 eggs annually
- Calm, goes broody
- Adaptable, beginner-friendly
Weigh Your Priorities
As you research breeds, make a list of your top considerations like temperament, productivity rate, egg color, climate adaptability, etc. Then match your priorities against breed profiles to select your best egg-laying chickens. Every flock owner’s needs are a little different, so choose what matters most to you.
Focus on picking breeds with the highest annual production that fit your specific goals and situation. With the right hens, you’ll enjoy farm-fresh eggs conveniently from your own backyard every single day!
What Chickens Lay the Most Eggs?
If you’re looking to maximize your egg production, here are some of the best egg-laying chicken breeds to consider:
Wyandottes are attractive birds that can lay 200-240 eggs per year. They are friendly and make great pets, in addition to being reliable layers. Their laced feathers come in various colors, adding visual interest to their practical benefits. Wyandottes are known for their cold-hardiness, making them suitable for colder climates.
Plymouth Rocks are dual-purpose birds with good layers, producing around 200-280 eggs annually. They are hardy and adapt well to different climates, making them a versatile addition to any flock. Their distinctive barred plumage makes them easy to recognize, and their friendly nature makes them popular among backyard chicken keepers.
Why do some Chicken Breeds Lay More than Others?
Several factors can influence the number of eggs a chicken lays, but one of the most significant is breeding. Chickens are bred for different purposes, and selective breeding has led to breeds that excel in specific areas.
- Egg Production: Breeds specifically bred for egg production tend to lay more eggs consistently. These chickens have been selectively bred over generations to enhance their egg-laying capabilities. This selective breeding focuses on traits such as early maturity, frequency of laying, and longevity of productive years.
- Meat Production: Some breeds are bred primarily for their meat rather than their egg-laying abilities. These breeds, often referred to as broilers, generally lay fewer eggs. The focus here is on rapid growth, large body size, and meat quality rather than the quantity of eggs produced.
- Dual-Purpose: There are also dual-purpose breeds that are good for meat and egg production. While they may not lay as many eggs as specialized egg-laying breeds, they still provide a reliable number of eggs. These breeds are ideal for small farms and homesteads where both meat and eggs are desired from the same flock.
Top 5 *BEST* Egg laying Chicken Breeds!
FAQ
What breed of chicken is best for laying?
Leghorns have always been known as one of the best egg laying breeds. With them being smaller sized birds (in weight not height) as they are a Mediterranean breed, and them laying on average 5-7 eggs a week, pound for pound of feed they are some of the best producers.
What chicken lays 364 eggs a year?
The Australorp Chicken is renowned for its impressive egg production. These chickens can lay up to 364 eggs annually, with one exceptional hen setting the world record by laying 364 eggs in a single year. Generally, you can expect an Australorp to produce between 250 and 300 large eggs each year.
What chicken is best for laying?
What are the best chickens for laying eggs? ISA Browns, Leghorns, and Australorps are widely considered the best chickens for laying eggs. They are prolific, hardy, and well-suited to backyard flocks in both the UK and US.
What chicken lays 350 eggs a year?
The ISA Brown chicken breed is known for laying the most eggs, with some individuals reaching 350 eggs per year. These hybrid chickens are popular for backyard farming due to their high egg production and docile nature.