The best egg layers chickens are the ones that give you plenty of fresh eggs while also being friendly enough to fit into your backyard flock. If you’re new to raising chickens or just looking to increase your egg production, you might be wondering which breeds are the top performers. Some chickens are real champs when it comes to laying lots of eggs, while others are better known for their easygoing personalities. Here are some of the best breeds to help you pick the right ones for your coop.
Contents
- Top Best Egg Layers Chickens Based on Production
- The Best Well Rounded Egg-Laying Breeds for Temperament and Versatility
- Best Egg-Laying Chickens FAQs
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Top Best Egg Layers Chickens Based on Production
If you’re interested in raising chickens to get a steady supply of fresh eggs, it’s important to know which breeds are the best at laying them. Some backyard chickens are total egg-laying machines, producing hundreds of eggs each year, while others are more laid back.
In this guide, I’ll focus on the best chicken breeds that are known for their high egg production, so you can find the best ones for your backyard flock.
- Isa Brown -300+ eggs/year
- Golden Comet (red star)-280-300 eggs/year
- White Leghorn-280-300 eggs/year
- Australorp- 250-300 eggs/year
- Rhode Island Red– 250-300 eggs/year
- White Rock- 250-300 eggs/year
- Sussex- 250-280 eggs/year
- Barred Plymouth Rock- 250-280 eggs/year
- Easter Egger- 250-280 eggs/year
- Buff Orpington– 200-280 eggs/year
- Ameraucana -200-250 eggs/year
- Wyandotte -200-250 eggs/year
- Delaware Broiler- 200-250 eggs/year
- New Hampshire-200-250 eggs/year
- Bielefelder -large brown eggs 200-250 eggs /year
- Welsummer-200-250 eggs/year
- Dominique-200-250 eggs/year
- Jersey Giant 180-260 eggs/year
- Brahma– 150-200 eggs/year
- Cochin-150-200 eggs/year
1. Isa Brown
Isa Browns are a very popular breed because of their egg-laying abilities. They come out on top as one of the best egg layers chickens. Isa Brown’s are a hybrid chicken which means they’re bred with specific traits that make them good egg-layers. They’re mainly a cross between Rhode Island Reds and White Leghorns.
It’s not uncommon for Isa Browns to lay over 300 eggs per year. They’re great for a small farm business because of their excellent feed conversion.
Isa’s is a friendly and easy-going chicken. My Isa Browns are some of my favorite birds. They get along well with other flock members and aren’t flighty like their White Leghorn counterparts.
Isa Browns tend to have a shorter lifespan than other breeds. Their intense egg-laying abilities often cause them to have reproductive problems.
Since they’re a hybrid, they won’t reproduce a true Isa Brown offspring. This makes them not the best option for a sustainable flock.
2. Golden Comet
The Golden Comet is one of the hybrid breeds that are well known for being an egg-laying machine. Golden Comets typically lay 280-300 eggs per year making them one of the best egg layers Chickens. They’re usually a cross between Rhode Island red chickens and white leghorn chickens which gives them the trait of having fantastic egg production and a better temperament.
They’re also known as Red Stars, Red Sex-Links, or Golden Buffs depending on which breeder you purchase from.
Golden Comets are easygoing and friendly. They can be quite curious and love to follow you around the barnyard. They also get along well with other chickens which makes them perfect for a homestead flock.
3. White Leghorn
The White Leghorn is probably the most famous of the chicken breeds. Remember Foghorn Leghorn from the Saturday morning cartoons? They’re also the producers of those large white eggs you find on most grocery store shelves.
They have a good reputation for a reason. They’re rockstar egg-layers laying around 280-300 eggs per year. They also lay pretty quickly. My last batch of White Leghorn chicks started laying around 16 weeks old.
White Leghorns are very energetic and flighty. They love to roam around and will benefit from free-ranging. They don’t like being held and will run away from you more often than not.
Leghorn’s aren’t great for an enclosed chicken coop and can be very noisy. These two characteristics make them less than ideal for a neighborhood or a small backyard coop.
However, if you’re looking for one of the best egg laying chickens they are a great choice!
4. Black Australorp
The Black Australorp is known for being one of the best egg-laying backyard breeds. It even holds the world record for egg-laying, with one hen reportedly laying around 364 eggs in a year. Most Australorps won’t lay quite that many, but they typically lay 250-300 eggs.
Black Australorps are medium to large size chickens. Hens usually weigh 5-7 pounds. They have sleek, glossy back feathers with a green iridescent sheen to them. Their bright red comb combined with their black bodies make them a very beautiful bird.
Australorps are very friendly and get along well with other flock members. They don’t mind being held and are easy to handle and care for. They’re an attractive bird and one of the best egg layers chickens to add to your flock and will give you an abundance of farm-fresh eggs.
5. Rhode Island Red
The Rhode Island Red is a classic American breed and one that’s known for egg-laying. They’re famous for their rich, reddish-brown feathers that give them their name.
Laying around 250-300 eggs per year, these birds are great for a homestead flock. They’re one of several chickens that lay jumbo eggs giving you more bang for your feed buck.
Rhode Island Reds are large-sized chickens, with hens usually weighing around 7 pounds. They have bright red combs which look gorgeous against their dark brown feathers.
They’re also a hardy breed and can adapt to a lot of different climates.
Rhode Island Reds can be very assertive and downright mean (at least in my experience). They may not be the best choice for a mixed flock of chickens. While they have a good temperament towards humans, they like to be at the top of the pecking order.
6. White Rock
White Rock’s are known for their versatility and sweet nature. They are related to the Plymouth Rock but have pure white feathers. Their laid-back temperament and egg-laying abilities make them a common breed to use as a hybrid with others. Check out my article on the cornish rock cross meat birds.
White Rock’s are known for being reliable egg-layers and typically produce 200-280 eggs per year. They grow to around 7 pounds making them easily adaptable to many different climates.
They tend to be healthier than some of the other high-production breeds. They’re not prone to as many reproductive issues as the hybrid layers so they tend to live a longer life.
As far as personalities go, White Rocks tend to be very laid back. They get along great with other chickens. They’re also curious and will follow you around the chicken yards.
Overall, they’re great layers and would make a great addition to your flock.
7. Sussex
The Sussex chicken is a classic breed that has been around for a long time. They come from England and have a history that dates back to Roman times.
Sussex chickens are excellent egg years, typically laying between 250-280 eggs per year.
They’re one of the most beautiful breeds and have a variety of colors. The speckled Sussex is probably the most famous of all their colors. They’re also a good size weighing 6 to 7 pounds, so they’re great for a variety of climates.
While they’re one of the prettiest and friendliest breeds, they are prone to broodiness. They may not lay as well because they want to sit on their eggs. This may not be a con to you, but it will definitely affect their egg production.
This breed is also very friendly towards people. They may be more prone to predators because they aren’t as likely to fly away.
The Sussex is one of the best egg layers chickens a good choice if you’re looking for a steady supply of eggs.
8. Barred Plymouth Rock
Barred Rocks are one of my favorite breeds in my large mixed flock. They’ve been a favorite among chicken keepers for generations. They have a striking pattern of black and white feathers that kind of resemble a zebra and make them stand out in your flock.
Barred Rocks are great egg layers and usually lay about 250-280 eggs per year. They’re a calm breed and very friendly making them great for a backyard flock. They usually get along well with other chickens but can get a little bit bossy.
They’re very hardy with a full body and typically weigh 6-7 pounds. Their large bodies make them a good choice for cold climates. However, I raise them here in the Deep South and they handle the heat quite well. They’re also a great dual purpose breed if you’re looking for a productive layer that doubles as a meat bird.
The Barred Plymouth Rock is one of the best chickens and a great choice for a reliable egg layer with a friendly personality.
9. Easter Egger
Easter Egger chickens are like a box of chocolates, you just never know what you’re going to get! They’re not a true breed of chicken like some of the others listed here. In fact, they’re a mix of several breeds, often coming from the Araucana.
What makes Easter Eggers so special is their ability to lay eggs in a lot of different colors. They’re also very good layers and typically lay between 250-280 eggs per year. If you want a steady supply of colorful eggs, Easter Eggers are an excellent choice.
As for temperament, Easter Eggers are generally friendly and easygoing. They get along well in the flock and are great with people too. They’re not very loud and would be fine for a neighborhood flock.
Just keep in mind that because they aren’t a true breed of chicken, their egg production and temperament can vary a lot. You may not always know exactly what you’re going to get with them.
They’re hardy, and adaptable to many different environments making them a great egg-laying choice.
10. Buff Orpington
Buff Orpingtons (or Orpingtons in general) are truly gentle giants and a top choice if you’re looking for a breed that’s both a great layer and super friendly.
They have a beautiful golden buff color which is where they get their name. They also have fluffy feathers that make them very soft. Orpingtons typically weigh 6-8 pounds making them adaptable to many different environments.
Orpintons are reliable producers laying about 200-280 large eggs per year. They may not lay quite as much as production hybrids, but they’re very consistent and lay throughout the winter.
Because they’re so fluffy, they may be more prone to external parasites so you’ll need to keep a close check on them.
Despite this minor downside, Buff Orpingtons are a fantastic choice if you want a friendly reliable egg layer. They’re both productive and pet-like at the same time!
11. Ameracauna
Ameraucana chickens are a unique and popular breed known for laying beautiful blue eggs. They were developed in the United States in the 1970s, stemming from the Araucana breed but with the goal of creating a bird without the genetic issues that the Araucana has.
Ameraucanas do a solid job of laying and producing around 200-250 eggs per year. Their unique feature is their egg color. They consistently lay large blue eggs which make your egg basket beautiful and fun!
When it comes to temperament, Ameraucanas are generally friendly and calm. However, they can be a little standoffish towards other breeds. They aren’t as pet-like and cuddly as some of the other breeds on this list.
I love having Ameracaunas in my flock they’re large, hardy birds that lay a consistent amount of eggs. They may not be the most productive layers on this list, but they make up for it with their hardiness and beautiful eggs.
12. Wyandotte
Wyandotte chickens are a classic breed that is well-loved by many chicken keepers. They were developed in the late 1800s to be a reliable and dual-purpose choice.
Wyandottes are among some of the best egg-laying breeds and typically produce around 200-250 large eggs each year. They’re a solid choice for any backyard flock.
Wyandottes come in a variety of colors, but the Silver Laced Wyandottes are the most iconic. The feather pattern actually looks like beautiful lace.
They’re generally a calm and friendly breed and aren’t usually aggressive with other chickens. They can be a little standoffish with people, but will sometimes warm up and follow you around the barnyard.
Wyandottes have a round, thick body with hens laying 6-7 pounds which makes them sturdy and versatile in many different climates. They can sometimes go broody, so they may not produce as much as they are capable of.
With their beautiful feathers, calm temperament, and steady egg-laying they’re a great addition to your backyard flock.
13. Delaware Broiler
Developed in the 1940s, the Delaware Broiler is meat production breed. However, their excellent egg-laying capabilities quickly made them a favorite for backyard chicken keepers too.
One of the coolest things about the Delaware is its appearance. They have mostly white feathers with a splash of black on their tail. They typically weigh 6-7 pounds making them adaptable to many different environments.
They’re very productive for a broiler breed and often lay 200-280 eggs each year. This makes them a great dual-purpose breed addition to your flock. They can also lay consistently during the winter months and handle cold weather well.
They’re curious birds and love exploring, but they aren’t very affectionate. They may not have the pet-like qualities of some of the others on this list.
They are bred for meat, so they grow faster than other birds. You have to monitor them to make sure they don’t gain too much weight too fast.
Overall the Delaware Broiler is sturdy, adaptable, and easy to manage. They’re also a great heritage breed if you want to be more sustainable.
14. New Hampshire
The New Hampshire Chicken is a breed that gained a lot of popularity for its egg-laying abilities and its hardy nature. They were developed in New Hampshire in the 20th century as a variant of the Rhode Island Red. The goal of development was to create a good egg-layer that grows quickly.
The New Hampshire chickens are solid producers and usually lay around 200-280 eggs per year. They’re a great choice if you’re looking for a breed that can keep a steady supply of eggs coming. They even lay throughout the winter months.
They’re generally friendly and easy to manage. However, they can be high-energy birds and love to explore the yard. They would not be well suited for a small enclosed coop. They can also be bullies to other chickens, so they wouldn’t be good for a mixed flock either. If you’re looking for a breed that’s not too shy and not overly aggressive, New Hampshire chickens are a good balance.
The New Hampshire is a hardy and reliable layer that’s a great choice for year-round eggs.
15. Bielefelder
The Bielefelder chicken is a breed that’s known for being a true multi-tasker and is excellent for both egg production and meat. They were developed in Germany in the 1970s, the Bielefelder is a relatively new breed, but it’s already made a name for itself because of its reliability and versatility.
The Bielefelder has a unique feather pattern called a cuckoo. It’s a mix of gray, white, and back stripes. They’re a large chicken breed and typically weigh 6-8 pounds. Their large size makes them adaptable to a lot of different climates.
Bielefelders are very impressive layers. They can lay between 200-280 large eggs a year. They’re also a great option if you’re looking for a dual purpose breed.
They’re a laid-back and friendly breed known for being easy to handle. This makes them perfect for anyone who is new to raising chickens. They do need a little space to roam so they wouldn’t be great in a small coop.
Their unique feather pattern, egg size, steady egg production, and calm temperament make them a valuable addition to your flock.
16. Welsummer
Welsummers are best known for their unique appearance. They’re popular for their beautiful feathers and quality eggs. If you can remember the classic Kellog’s Corn Flakes Boxes the iconic rooster on the font was a Welsummer.
When it comes to egg-laying, Welsummers are very consistent producers which is why they made the list of the best egg layers chickens. They typically lay around 200-250 large eggs a year. The eggs have a lovely speckled appearance which makes them a really unique addition to your basket. If you’ve followed me here you know how much I love variety in my eggs.
Welsummers are typically easy to manage. They aren’t very skittish and they get along well with other chickens. They’re also great foragers and love to roam around looking for bugs and seeds.
They wouldn’t be a good fit for confined spaces and they can also be less cold-hardy than other breeds on this list. Two things that you should consider before deciding on this breed.
If you can give them the space they need to free range, Welsummers are definitely worth considering.
17. Dominique
Dominiques are the oldest breed of chicken in the United States with a history that dates back to colonial times. They have beautiful barred feathers and are reliable egg-layers. If you’re looking for a chicken with a little historical significance, the Dominque is your bird.
They are consistent producers and usually lay around 200-250 eggs each year. They are a great choice if you’re looking for a breed that is both productive and attractive. They’re known to be hardy and can handle a variety of climates. They even do well in the cold.
They’re generally calm and friendly while getting along well with other chickens in the flock. They’re also good foragers and love to roam and find their own food.
They typically weigh 4-6 pounds. Their small er size can make them more prone to predators. You also want to provide them with plenty of space to roam around.
If you’re looking for a classic egg-layer with a calm temperament these are a great choice.
18. Jersey Giant
The Jersey Giant is a massive breed known for its size. They were initially bred in North America to replace turkeys as a primary source of meat. However, they have turned out to be excellent egg layers as well.
Jersey Giants typically produce around 180-260 eggs per year. It’s not as high as some of the specialized egg-laying breeds, but it’s still a good output considering their size. They also lay consistently throughout the year, even in the cold months.
When it comes to size, Jersey Giants are the biggest breed of chicken. Hen’s typically weigh 7-9 pounds. Roosters can even tip the scale at 13 pounds. Despite their large size, they have a friendly temperament. They’re a great addition to the backyard flock and get along well with other chickens.
One of the unique features of the Jersey Giant is its feathers. They come in several colors with black being the most common, but there’s also white and blue. The black has a gorgeous green sheen in the sunlight making their appearance quite impressive.
Because they are so large they do require a lot of pace. They also grow slower than other breeds, so they wouldn’t be great for quick egg producers.
They’re a fantastic breed if you want dual-purpose chickens that are friendly birds that are good for egg-laying.
19. Brahma
The Brahma chicken is a breed that stands out not only for its size but also for its beauty. They’re very gentle and reliable egg-layers making them well-loved among chicken keepers.
Brahmas are big chickens with hens typically weighing between 8-10 pounds, while roosters can get even larger, sometimes weighing over 12 pounds.
They have a distinctive appearance with thick feathers that continue down their legs. The Light Brahma, with its white feathers and black neck and tail accents.
Brahmas are reliable producers, laying about 150-200 eggs per year. They tend to lay consistently throughout the winter which is a big plus if you live in a colder area.
While they don’t lay as much as high-production breeds, they make up for it with their hardiness.
Brahmas have a calm demeanor and are great for families with small children. They’re a great choice if you want a laid-back chicken.
20. Cochin
Cochin chickens are known for their thick fluffy feathers causing them to have a fluffy butt. They’re originally from China, these chickens were brought to Europe and the United States in the 19th century and quickly became famous for their massive size. They also have the cutest fluffy-butts you ever saw.
They’re not the most prolific egg layers compared to some other breeds, they can still produce around 150-180 eggs per year. This makes them a decent choice if you want a cute pet chicken that also lays eggs.
Cochins have a tendency to go broody and make excellent mothers. However, this can be a negative if you’re wanting a consistent egg layer. I personally keep a couple of cochins in my flock for that specific reason. They help me sustainably manage my flock and do the hard work of hatching and broody chicks for. Read more about why I love a broody hen.
While they might not be the top best egg layers chickens, they’re still reliable and can bring a touch of beauty to your backyard flock. If you don’t mind a bit of extra cleaning and can handle their broody tendencies, Cochins are a delightful addition to any flock.
The Best Well Rounded Egg-Laying Breeds for Temperament and Versatility
1. Australorp:
Lays 250-300 eggs per year, with a friendly and easygoing temperament. They are versatile adapt well to different climates and get along well in a mixed flock.
2. Rhode Island Red:
Produces 250-300 eggs per year and is known for its hardy nature and adaptability to different climates. Generally calm and friendly.
3. Barred Plymouth Rock:
Lays 250-280 eggs per year, with a friendly temperament. They are versatile, good for mixed flocks, and can be used for both egg-laying and meat production.
4. Buff Orpington:
Produces 200-280 eggs per year and has a calm and gentle temperament. They are versatile and suitable for different backyard settings and are also used for meat.
5. Sussex:
Lays 250-280 eggs per year, with a friendly temperament and adaptable to different climates. They can be used for both egg-laying and meat production.
6. Golden Comet:
Produces 280-300 eggs per year and is known for its friendly temperament and egg production. A great hybrid for backyard flocks.
7. Isa Brown:
Lays 300+ eggs per year, with a gentle temperament. They are adaptable to backyard settings.
8. Wyandotte:
Lays 200-250 eggs per year, with a generally calm temperament. They are versatile and adapt well to different climates and flock settings.
9. Ameraucana:
Produces 200-250 eggs per year and has a friendly temperament. Known for laying blue eggs, they’re versatile and adapt well to a mixed flock.
10. Easter Egger:
Lays 250-280 eggs per year, with a friendly and curious nature. Their unique egg colors and adaptability make them great for backyard flocks.
11. New Hampshire:
Produces 200-250 eggs per year, with an energetic but generally friendly temperament. They are versatile and adapt well to different settings.
12. White Rock:
Lays 250-300 eggs per year, with a friendly temperament. They’re versatile and suitable for both egg-laying and meat production.
13.Delaware Broiler:
Produces 200-250 eggs per year and has a calm temperament. They are versatile and great for both egg-laying and meat production.
14. Jersey Giant:
Lays 180-260 eggs per year, with a calm temperament. Although primarily a meat breed, they are decent layers and good in backyard settings.
15. Bielefelder:
Produces 200-250 eggs per year and is known for being calm and friendly. They are versatile and great for both egg-laying and meat production.
16. Welsummer:
Lays 200-250 eggs per year, with a friendly temperament. They are versatile but may require more space due to their active nature.
17. Dominique:
Produces 200-250 eggs per year, with a generally calm temperament. They adapt well to different climates.
18. Brahma:
Lays 150-200 eggs per year and is known for its gentle personality. While versatile, they require more space and care due to their large size and feathered legs.
19. Cochin:
Produces 150-200 eggs per year and has a gentle temperament. While versatile, they are prone to broodiness and need extra care due to feathered legs.
20. White Leghorn:
Lays 280-300 eggs per year, making them excellent for egg production, but their skittish nature and need for more space reduce their versatility.
Best Egg Layers Chickens FAQs
What chicken breed is best for beginners?
Buff Orpington, Barred Rocks, and Australorps are great choices for beginners. They have calm, friendly temperaments, do well in different coop settings, and are reliable egg layers.
What is the lifespan of an egg-laying chicken?
Egg-layers can live up to 10 years, although that’s not common. The higher production breeds don’t tend to live as long as heritage breeds because of the physical demands of laying eggs.
Are there chicken breeds that lay colorful eggs?
Yes, there are several breeds that lay colorful eggs. The most common ones are the Cream Legbar, Whiting True Green, Whiting True Blue, Ameraucana, Araucana, and Easter Egger.
Final Thoughts
A comprehensive list of the best egg layers chickens out there. There are prolific layers like Isa Browns and Golden Comets which will provide you with plenty of eggs. There are also friendly pet-like breeds that provide eggs while being easy to handle like Orpingtons and Barred Rocks. You may be looking for a dual purpose breed that is the best of both worlds like the Jersey Giant and Delaware Broiler. Whichever breed you decide on, be sure it’s one that’s adaptable to your climate and your flock’s environment. Happy chicken keeping!
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