It can be very rewarding to raise chickens for eggs, but picking the right breed is important for getting the most eggs. Different breeds have varying capabilities when it comes to laying eggs. Curious which hens will lay the golden eggs for you? In this guide, we’ll explore why some chicken breeds lay more eggs than others and highlight the top breeds known for their prolific egg-laying.
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 breed of chicken can have a big effect on how many eggs it lays. About 180 to 320 eggs are laid by most hens each year. But some super-egg layers, like the Leghorn, can lay more than 300 eggs a year. Heritage breeds lay between 120 and 180 eggs a year, which is on the lower end of the range. Crossbreeds and hybrids have been specifically bred to lay more eggs, and they often lay more than 200 eggs.
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
There are hens that can lay a lot of eggs, but it’s just as important that they can do it consistently. Look for breeds that are called “steady producers” and that lay eggs regularly, without long breaks or drops in output. If you need a steady supply of eggs, you shouldn’t get hens that get broody every once in a while and stop laying for weeks to sit on their eggs.
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
Even though eggs of the same color usually taste and are healthy, many flock owners like the look and variety of eggs of different colors. Eggs that are white, brown, blue, green, pink, olive, or cream-colored are common choices.
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 breeds of chicken lay very big eggs, called jumbo eggs, while others lay smaller eggs, called pullet eggs. This might or might not be an important thing for you to think about. Bigger eggs can be helpful if you bake a lot. 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 unique barred feathers make them easy to spot, and backyard chicken keepers love them because they are friendly.
Why do some Chicken Breeds Lay More than Others?
The number of eggs a chicken lays is affected by many things, but breeding is one of the most important ones. Chickens are bred for different purposes, and selective breeding has led to breeds that excel in specific areas.
- Egg Production: Breeds that were bred to lay eggs tend to do so more consistently. Over generations, these chickens have been selectively bred to make them better at laying eggs. This kind of selective breeding focuses on traits like reaching maturity early, laying eggs often, and having productive years that last a long time.
- Production of Meat: Some breeds are bred mainly for their meat rather than their ability to lay eggs. These breeds, which are sometimes called “broilers,” usually lay fewer eggs. Here, the focus is on fast growth, big bodies, and high-quality meat rather than the number of eggs they lay.
- Due to their versatility, some breeds are good at both producing meat and eggs. They may not lay as many eggs as breeds that are specifically bred to lay eggs, but they still give you a steady supply of eggs. These breeds are great for small farms and homesteads that want to get meat and eggs 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. As a Mediterranean breed, they are smaller birds (in terms of weight, not height), and they lay an average of 5 to 7 eggs a week. For the amount of food they eat, 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?
Which chickens lay the best eggs? Most people agree that ISA Browns, Leghorns, and Australorps are 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.