Choosing the Best Egg-Laying Chickens for Your Flock
We go through a lot of eggs. More than a dozen per week! So when we bought a small farm on 25 acres, getting backyard chickens was a no-brainer. But being that we had zero experience in raising chickens, we were clueless about which chicken breeds were the best for laying the most nutritious eggs.
When it comes to raising chickens for eggs, selecting the right breed is crucial for a successful and satisfying experience. Different chicken breeds vary in their egg production, temperament, and adaptability to different climates. In this guide, we will explore what to look for and some of the best chicken breeds renowned for their exceptional egg-laying capabilities.
What are the Best Chicken Breeds for Eggs?
Several factors play a role in determining which chicken breeds are best for egg production. When selecting a breed for egg-laying purposes, consider the following factors.
Egg Production Rate: Look for breeds known for high egg production rates. Some breeds are specifically bred for their ability to lay a large number of eggs consistently.
Egg Size: Some breeds are known for producing larger eggs, while others may lay smaller eggs. The desired egg size may depend on market preferences or personal preferences.
Age at First Lay: Certain breeds start laying eggs earlier than others. If you’re looking for early egg production, consider breeds that mature quickly and begin laying at a younger age.
Egg Color: Different breeds lay eggs of varying colors, such as white, brown, blue, or even green. The choice of egg color may depend on consumer demand or personal preferences.
Temperament: The temperament of the chicken can affect its overall well-being and egg production. Calmer and less stressed chickens often lay more eggs. Aggressive or highly stressed chickens may experience a decline in egg production.
Adaptability and Hardiness: Consider the adaptability of the breed to your local climate and environmental conditions. Some breeds are more robust and can thrive in various climates, which can contribute to consistent egg production.
Feed Efficiency: Efficient feed conversion is crucial for egg production. Some breeds are known for their ability to convert feed into eggs efficiently, which can be cost-effective for egg producers.
Broodiness: Broodiness refers to a chicken’s tendency to want to sit on and hatch eggs. While broodiness is a desirable trait for those interested in raising chicks, it can interfere with consistent egg production. Breeds that are less prone to broodiness may be preferred for commercial egg production. To learn more, check out this article.
Disease Resistance: Consider the breed’s resistance to common poultry diseases. Healthier chickens are more likely to lay consistently and maintain good egg quality.
Economic Factors: Evaluate the economic aspects of raising a particular breed, including initial costs, maintenance expenses, and market demand for the eggs produced by that breed.
Keep in mind that individual variations within a breed also exist, so proper management practices, nutrition, and housing are essential for maximizing egg production. If you’re new to raising chickens, check out this article to give you all the ins and outs.
What are the Best Chicken Breeds for Eggs?
Without further ado, let’s look at the top 11 egg-laying chicken breeds.
ISA Brown
ISA Browns this hybrid breed is known for their outstanding egg production and calm temperament. These birds are often used in commercial egg production due to their efficiency. ISA Browns lay large 300-350 brown eggs per year and are relatively low-maintenance.
Australorp
Setting a world record by laying 364 eggs in 365 days, the Australorp is one of the best egg layers. These friendly and docile birds typically produce 250-300 large brown eggs per year and are well-suited for various climates. Australorps, a heritage breed, are a good choice for both beginners and experienced poultry keepers.
White Leghorn
Known for their prolific egg-laying abilities, White Leghorns are good layers and lay approximately 280-320 large, white eggs per year. They are an excellent choice for those seeking high egg production but are less suitable for cold climates due to their lighter body weight and minimal feathering. Leghorns are known for their active and independent nature.
Golden Comet
Golden Comets are another hybrid breed prized for their exceptional egg-laying abilities. These birds are known for their friendly nature and adaptability to different living conditions. Golden Comets typically lay 250-300 brown eggs per year and are a popular choice for backyard flocks.
Rhode Island Red
Rhode Island Red chickens are a popular choice among backyard chicken keepers as they are excellent egg layers. These medium-sized birds have a calm temperament, making them suitable for both small and large flocks. Rhode Island Reds typically lay 200-300 brown eggs per year and can adapt well to various climates.
California White
California White chickens were developed to be a prolific egg layer. These hybrid breeds are a cross between White Leghorns and California Gray chickens and are known to lay 250-300 large white eggs per year. These chickens are also known for their efficiency in converting feed into eggs, making them economical for egg production operations.
Plymouth Rock (Barred Plymouth Rock)
Plymouth Rock hens, often referred to as Barred Rocks, are a dual-purpose breed known for their friendly demeanor and consistent egg production. They lay 200-280 brown eggs per year and are cold-hardy, making them a great choice for regions with cold temperatures.
New Hampshire Red
Similar to Rhode Island Reds, New Hampshire Red chickens are known for their hardiness and adaptability to various climates. These birds consistently lay 200-280 brown eggs per year and are valued for their calm demeanor and ability to thrive in different environments.
Ancona
Ancona chickens are known for their attractive black and white speckled plumage. They are hardy birds that can adapt well to various climates and they are also good layers, producing 200-280 white eggs per year.
Sussex
Sussex chickens come in various colors, including white, red, and speckled. They are known for their friendly temperament and adaptability to different environments. Sussex hens are reliable layers of 200-250 large brown eggs per year and are well-suited for free-range systems.
Buff Orpington
Buff Orpingtons are not only known for their beautiful golden plumage but also for their reliable egg production. These friendly chickens lay 180-220 large brown eggs per year and are prized for their calm and friendly disposition, making them excellent additions to family flocks.
Honorable Mentions
While these chicken breeds may not boast record-breaking egg counts, their contributions to backyard flocks and small-scale farming go beyond mere numbers.
Easter Egger
Easter Eggers are known for their unique and colorful eggshells. These chickens can lay 150-200 eggs per year in various shades, including green and blue eggs. Beyond their colorful eggs, Easter Eggers are friendly and easy to care for, making them a delightful addition to any flock.
Welsummer
With their strikingly beautiful speckled eggs, Welsummers deserve an honorable mention. While they may not lay as many eggs as some of the high-production breeds (160-200 per year), their eggs are a work of art. Welsummers are known for their calm temperament and attractive appearance, making them a favorite for both egg production and aesthetics.
Brahma
These gentle giants are known for their calm temperament and attractive appearance. While they are valued for meat production, they are not the best egg layers in terms of quantity. But they are worth mentioning as hens of this breed typically lay around 150-200 large brown eggs per year.
Jersey Giants
Jersey Giants are primarily known for their large size and dual-purpose qualities, rather than for being prolific egg layers. But they still can produce 150-200 eggs per year
Chickens That Lay the Fewest Eggs
Some chicken breeds are known to be less prolific egg layers compared to others. Here are a few breeds that generally lay fewer eggs per year.
Silkie: This friendly breed is known for its distinctive fluffy plumage and gentle disposition, but they are not prolific layers. They lay a relatively small number of eggs compared to other breeds, approximately 100-120 per year. I have 3 silkie hens, and they are the sweetest hens I have.
Cornish: Cornish chickens are popular for meat production, especially in the broiler industry. They are not bred for egg-laying efficiency and typically lay fewer eggs compared to dedicated laying breeds. You might get around 80-120 eggs per year from a Cornish hen if you’re lucky.
Sultans: Sultans are a rare and ornamental breed that is not known for its egg-laying prowess. They have unique feathering and are often kept for exhibition rather than for egg production. Expect around 50-100 eggs per year from a Sultan hen.
Remember that individual variations within a breed can occur, and factors such as diet, care, and living conditions also influence egg production. If egg production is a priority, you may want to consider breeds specifically developed for high egg production
Bottom Line
Selecting the best chickens for egg production involves considering factors such as climate, space, and personal preferences. Each breed of chicken has its own unique characteristics, so it’s essential to choose one that aligns with your specific needs and goals. Whether you’re a novice chicken keeper or an experienced poultry enthusiast, investing time in choosing the right egg-laying chickens will contribute to a rewarding and sustainable flock.
What questions do you have? Let me know in the comments!
Related Posts:
Backyard Chickens 101
How to Store and Preserve Fresh Chicken Eggs
Understanding and Caring for Broody Hens
What Time of Day do Chickens Lay Eggs?
Chickens That Lay Colored Eggs
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