15 Best Egg Laying Chickens for Maximum Egg Production
Raising chickens for egg production is a popular choice for backyard farmers and homesteaders. With many breeds available, selecting the right chickens can be overwhelming.
The best egg-laying chicken breeds include Australorps, Leghorns, and Golden Comets, each capable of producing 250-300 eggs per year. Other notable breeds are Isa Browns, Rhode Island Reds, and Sussex chickens. These breeds are known for their high egg production, hardiness, and adaptability to various climates and living conditions.
When choosing chickens for your flock, consider factors like egg color, temperament, and climate suitability. By understanding the characteristics of different breeds, you can select the perfect chickens for your backyard coop. Now, let’s introduce some of the best egg layer chickens for you!
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15 Best Egg Laying Chickens for Your Flock
If you’re thinking of adding chickens to your backyard flock, egg production is probably high on your list. With so many breeds to choose from, it can be overwhelming to decide which chickens are best for laying eggs.
Don’t worry! We’ve got you covered! Here’s a detailed look at 15 of the best Chicken Breeds For Eggs.
1. Australorp Chicken
- Egg Count: 250–300 eggs per year
- Egg Color: Light brown
Why They’re Great?
Australorps are famous for their record-breaking egg production. One Australorp hen even laid an astonishing 364 eggs in a year!
This breed is known for its calm demeanor and ability to thrive in both cold and warm climates. They are also easy to care for, making them an excellent choice for beginner chicken keepers.
So, raising chickens of such character won’t be a hassle!
2. Leghorn Chicken
- Egg Count: Up to 300 eggs per year
- Egg Color: White
Why They’re Great?
White Leghorn Chickens are lightweight, agile chickens known for their ability to lay a large number of eggs. Although they’re active and a bit flighty, they make up for it by consistently delivering up to 300 white eggs annually. They love to forage and are perfect for free-range setups.
3. Golden Comet Chicken
- Egg Count: 280–300 eggs per year
- Egg Color: Brown
Why They’re Great?
Golden Comet chicken is hybrid chicken specifically bred for high egg production. They can lay between 280–300 large brown eggs annually. So, it makes them a popular choice for those who want maximum output from their flock.
Also, they are easy to manage and have a friendly disposition, making them ideal for small farms and backyard setups.
4. Isa Brown Chicken
- Egg Count: Up to 300 eggs per year
- Egg Color: Brown
Why They’re Great?
Isa Browns are another hybrid breed designed for optimal egg production. Such types of laying hens are reliable layers of up to 300 eggs annually and are easy to care for. They’re a perfect breed for novice chicken keepers due to their friendly, calm nature.
5. Rhode Island Red Chicken
- Egg Count: 250–300 eggs per year
- Egg Color: Brown
Why They’re Great?
Rhode Island Red hens are among the most popular best chicken backyard breeds due to their high egg production and adaptability. These hardy birds can produce 250–300 large brown eggs annually, thriving in both free-range and confined spaces.
They’re also known for being tough and resilient.
6. Sussex Chicken
- Egg Count: 250 eggs per year
- Egg Color: Brown
Why They’re Great?
The Sussex is a dual-purpose breed, meaning it’s good for both egg production and meat. With about 250 large brown eggs annually, they are great for those looking for reliable layers.
Sussex chickens are also known for being friendly and calm, which makes them wonderful for families with children.
7. Plymouth Rock Chicken
- Egg Count: 200–250 eggs per year
- Egg Color: Brown
Why They’re Great?
Plymouth Rocks are known for their hardiness, making them ideal for colder climates. They lay around 200–250 eggs a year and are friendly, easy to handle, and do well in both free-range and confined spaces.
Their calm nature makes them a favorite among backyard chicken keepers.
8. Orpington Chicken
- Egg Count: 200–280 eggs per year
- Egg Color: Light brown
Why They’re Great?
Buff Orpingtons are fluffy, docile birds that are not only great layers but also excellent mothers. They produce around 200–280 eggs annually and are known for their friendly, calm demeanor.
Orpingtons are perfect for backyard coops where their peaceful nature shines.
9. Welsummer Chicken
- Egg Count: 200 eggs per year
- Egg Color: Dark brown, often speckled
Why They’re Great?
Welsummers are renowned for their beautifully speckled dark brown eggs, making them a popular choice for those looking to add variety to their egg baskets.
These chickens are friendly and hardy, producing around 200 eggs a year. They are also great foragers, doing well in a free-range environment.
10. Easter Egger Chicken
- Egg Count: 200–250 eggs per year
- Egg Color: Blue, green, pink, or even olive
Why They’re Great?
Easter Eggers aren’t a true breed but a hybrid that can lay eggs in various colors.
From blue to green to pink, their colorful eggs are a hit with families and backyard chicken keepers. They lay about 200–250 eggs annually, and their friendly nature makes them great pets.
11. Ancona Chicken
- Egg Count: 220–280 eggs per year
- Egg Color: White
Why They’re Great?
Anconas are energetic chickens known for their active foraging skills and reliable egg production. Laying around 220–280 white eggs annually, they thrive in free-range environments.
While they are a bit flighty, their high energy level makes them well-suited for wide, open spaces.
12. Hamburg Chicken
- Egg Count: 200 eggs per year
- Egg Color: White
Why They’re Great?
Hamburg chickens are small, active, and great layers of white eggs. They produce around 200 eggs annually and are known for their foraging abilities. While they can be a little flighty, their hardiness and excellent egg-laying capacity make them a solid choice.
13. Marans Chicken
- Egg Count: 150–200 eggs per year
- Egg Color: Dark chocolate brown
Why They’re Great?
Marans are highly sought after for their striking dark brown eggs, sometimes referred to as chocolate eggs. While they don’t lay as many eggs as some other breeds, the unique color of their eggs makes them stand out.
They are calm, friendly birds and can adapt to different climates.
14. Barnevelder Chicken
- Egg Count: 180–200 eggs per year
- Egg Color: Brown
Why They’re Great?
Barnevelders are known for their beautiful laced feathers and reliable egg production. They lay around 180–200 medium brown eggs per year. These birds are calm and friendly, making them perfect for backyard chicken keepers.
15. Bresse Chicken
Egg Count: 180-200
Egg Color: Medium Brown
Why They’re Great?
A rare breed in the U.S., Bresse chickens are known for their excellent egg production, laying around 180–240 eggs per year. These birds are also prized for their gourmet-quality meat, making them a dual-purpose breed.
FAQs
Want to learn more about these egg laying breeds? Check the frequently asked queries!
Q: What is the best chicken for both meat and egg production?
A: The Sussex breed is a dual-purpose chicken that’s excellent for both meat and eggs, laying around 250 eggs annually.
Q: Are there any chickens that lay colored eggs?
A: Yes! Easter Eggers lay colorful eggs in shades of blue, green, and sometimes even pink.
Q: Which chickens are best for beginners?
A: Rhode Island Reds, Isa Browns, and Orpingtons are excellent choices for beginners. It’s because of their friendly nature and high egg production.
Closing Thoughts
Choosing the right laying chicken breeds for your flock can help ensure a high egg yield throughout the year. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced chicken keeper, there’s a breed to fit your needs. From high-production hybrids to dual-purpose breeds, you can enjoy both eggs and a friendly flock.
When adding chickens to your flock, consider their temperament and environmental needs. By selecting productive and easy-to-care-for breeds, you’ll get the most out of your backyard flock.
