Have you wondered what type of chickens lay brown eggs? Brown egg layers are some of the most popular breeds of chickens because their eggs look just like you’d expect a farm-fresh egg to look! These rich, earthy-brown eggs bring a beautiful, natural color to your egg basket, mixing well with other eggs of different colors, like blue, green, and white.
Whether you’re just starting a backyard flock or adding to an existing one, choosing chickens that lay brown eggs is a great way to enjoy that classic, farm-fresh look in every egg you gather. Here’s a look at the top 15 breeds of chickens that lay brown eggs, perfect for any homestead or small farm!
What Type of Chickens Lay Brown Eggs?
If you’re looking for popular brown egg layers, Rhode Island Reds, Buff Orpingtons, and Plymouth Rocks are some of the top choices. These chicken breeds are well-loved for their steady egg production and friendly personalities.
Rhode Island Reds are hardy and dependable, while Buff Orpingtons are gentle giants that add charm to any flock.
Plymouth Rocks, especially the Barred variety, are heritage breeds known for their strong egg-laying skills and beautiful barred feathers.
Of course, there are plenty of other varieties out there that also lay gorgeous brown eggs, so no matter what type of flock you have in mind, there’s a breed to suit every backyard.
Why You’ll Love Brown Egg Laying Chickens
Brown egg layers have a lot to offer your backyard flock. Not only do they lay delicious beautiful eggs, but they’re also friendly and great producers. Here are a few reasons why you’ll love them!
Classic Egg Look – Brown eggs just look farm-fresh. Adding them to your egg basket gives it that old-fashioned, homestead feel that so many people love.
Great Egg Production – Many brown egg layers are known for their consistent egg production, so you’ll have a steady supply of eggs to enjoy and share.
Friendly Breeds – A lot of brown egg-laying breeds of chickens are friendly and easy to handle, making them a joy to have around the yard or coop.
Unique Egg Colors – Brown eggs come in different shades, from deep chocolate brown to light tan, so they bring a variety of colors to your egg basket all on their own!
Good for Beginners – Many popular brown egg layers, like Rhode Island Reds and Barred Rocks, are hardy and low-maintenance, making them great for beginners.
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The TOP 15 BEST Type of Chickens That Lay Brown Eggs
1. Rhode Island Reds
Rhode Island Reds are definitely standout brown egg layers and find themselves on a lot of lists on my blog for good reason. They’re a hardy breed that produces a generous amount of large, beautiful brown eggs, making them a favorite with chicken keepers.
While they might not be the most polite in the flock, they can be a little bossy around other chickens, they more than make up for it with their versatility and dependable egg production.
2. Orpintons
Orpingtons are fantastic brown egg layers with some of the sweetest personalities you’ll find in any breed. They’re known for their friendly disposition, and make wonderful pets for backyard chicken keepers. They’re perfect if you’re looking for a bird that’s both productive and easygoing.
Orpingtons lay beautiful light-brown eggs with a smooth eggshell color that stands out in any egg basket. Because of their thick, fluffy feathering, they’re especially suited to cold weather and handle chilly winters like champs.
However, they may struggle in really hot climates, so if you’re in a warm area, just be sure to give them plenty of shade and cool water to keep them comfortable.
3. Black Australorp
Black Australorps are hands-down one of my favorite chickens on this list. These birds are powerhouse brown egg layers, combining the best of both worlds: they have the sweet, docile nature of an Orpington and the impressive egg-laying capabilities of a Leghorn.
This makes them an excellent choice if you want a steady supply of large brown eggs without sacrificing personality. Their beautiful light brown eggs are just the cherry on top.
Their friendly nature and top-notch egg production, make them a fantastic addition to any backyard flock.
4. Golden Comets
Golden Comet chickens are fantastic additions to backyard flocks, known for laying a phenomenal amount of beautiful brown eggs.
As a hybrid breed, Golden Comets are the result of crossing a New Hampshire Rooster with a White Rock Hen, which gives them their excellent egg-laying abilities and hardy nature.
They’re also a “sex link” chicken, which means you can tell males from females at hatch by their color, making them even more popular for backyard setups.
Despite being a hybrid breed, Golden Comets have great personalities, are easy to handle, and fit in well with most flocks. For anyone looking to add a reliable and friendly layer to their flock, the Golden Comet is a great choice.
5. Barred Plymouth Rocks
Barred Plymouth Rocks are fantastic egg layers and are one of my favorites in my own flock. Known for being a hardy, dual-purpose bird, they can handle a variety of climates and still lay plenty of eggs.
Plus, they rarely go broody, so they’re consistent layers without too many breaks. Their eggs come in a range of colors, from classic brown to a lovely light pink, adding a unique look to any egg basket.
With their calm disposition and dependable egg production, Barred Plymouth Rocks are great layers and an awesome addition to any backyard flock.
6. Wyandottes
Wyandotte chickens are wonderful brown egg layers and come in a variety of beautiful colors and patterns, like Silver Laced, Golden Laced, and Blue.
Their beautiful feather patterns make them a popular choice for backyard flocks, and with their docile, friendly nature, they’re easy to care for and great around other chickens.
Wyandottes are known for their solid egg-laying capabilities, producing plenty of brown eggs throughout the year.
They’re also hardy birds that can thrive in many different climates, making them an adaptable and reliable choice for chicken keepers.
7. Black Copper Marans
Black Copper Marans are a stunning breed that lay some of the most beautiful dark brown eggs you’ll ever see. Their eggs are so richly colored that they can even look purple with the bloom still on.
While Black Copper Marans do take a little longer to start laying than some other breeds, they’re definitely worth the wait. These friendly chickens also have gorgeous feathered feet, adding even more charm to their look.
If you want to add a unique layer to your flock, Black Copper Marans are a perfect choice, giving you both beauty and those signature dark copper eggs.
8. Welsummer
Welsummer chickens are known for laying lovely brown eggs with a unique touch, a natural brown pigment that gives their eggshells a beautiful, speckled look.
This extra speckling makes each egg look like a little work of art and adds a special charm to any egg basket. Welsummers have been a favorite brown egg layer for backyard keepers for a long time, thanks to their reliable egg-laying and gorgeous egg color.
If you’re looking for a breed that not only lays well but adds a unique color to the egg basket, Welsummers are a fantastic choice.
9. Bielefelder
Bielefelder chickens may not be as common as other type of chickens that lay brown eggs, but they’re definitely worth considering for your flock! These birds are not only fantastic brown egg layers but also bring a unique beauty to the coop with their striking feather patterns, which often include shades of brown, cream, and black.
They’re known for being calm and friendly.
Bielefelders make great flock members that are easy to handle and enjoyable to have around. If you’re looking for a productive, beautiful breed that’s a little less common, Bielefelders are a wonderful choice.
10. Brahma
Brahmas are impressive brown egg layers and have a beautiful, standout appearance with their large size and striking feathered feet. Known for their gentle personalities, these birds bring a calm vibe to any flock.
With their thick feathering and sheer size, they’re especially suited to colder climates, where they can stay cozy even in chilly weather.
However, Brahmas aren’t the best pick for very hot climates, as all that feathering can make it tough for them to cool down. If you’re in a cooler area and want a bird with beauty and personality, Brahmas are a fantastic choice.
11. Cochin
Cochin chickens are wonderful layers of light brown eggs and are known for their fluffy, thick feathering that makes them stand out in any flock. These beautiful birds have a gentle nature and make excellent mothers, often going broody and caring for their chicks with dedication.
Thanks to their thick feathering, Cochins are best for cooler climates, because they stay warm even in chilly weather. Their calm, friendly personalities make them a great addition to backyard flocks, adding charm while giving you those lovely light brown eggs.
If you want a hardy, sweet-natured bird, Cochins are a great choice.
12. Delaware
Delaware chickens are an excellent choice for anyone looking for a dual-purpose brown egg layer. These birds are known for laying large, beautiful brown eggs that really stand out in your egg basket.
Most of them are almost all white, which makes them look quite beautiful. Once they finish their laying cycle, they make great meat birds due to their size and good meat quality.
This combination of egg-laying and meat production has made Delawares a favorite among homesteaders. They’re a fantastic addition to any flock, giving you the best of both worlds with tasty eggs and good meat.
13. Jersey Giant
Jersey Giants are a heritage breed from the United States, known for their impressive size and great egg-laying abilities. These large birds are one of the biggest chicken breeds out there, but they’re gentle giants with a calm nature.
Jersey Giants lay plenty of fresh, large brown eggs, making them a solid choice for anyone wanting a reliable layer. And because of their size, they’re also great dual-purpose birds for both eggs and meat.
With their sleek black or blue feathers and their sheer size, Jersey Giants are a beautiful and useful addition to any backyard flock.
14. Sussex
The Sussex chicken is a popular choice among brown egg layers, known for being both stunning and reliable in the egg department. This breed comes in a variety of colors, like Speckled, Red, and Light, adding a lot of visual appeal to your flock.
Sussex chickens are also hardy in different climates, which makes them a great pick if you live somewhere with changing weather. They’re friendly birds with easygoing personalities, so they’re fun to have around and get along well with other breeds. I
f you’re looking for a beautiful, productive chicken that’s adaptable and friendly, the Sussex is a great choice.
15. New Hampshire
The New Hampshire chicken is a fantastic brown egg layer, similar to the Rhode Island Red but with its own unique qualities. Bred in the United States, this bird was developed to be an excellent layer and a cold hardy bird, able to handle chilly weather with ease.
New Hampshires are reliable, producing plenty of large brown eggs while being strong and adaptable in different climates. With their rust-red feathers and hardy build, they’re a great choice for anyone looking for a dependable layer that can hold up well in cooler temperatures.
What Type of Chickens That Lay Brown Eggs–FAQS
What type of chickens lay brown eggs?
Many breeds lay brown eggs, but some of the most popular ones include Rhode Island Reds, Buff Orpingtons, and Plymouth Rocks. There are also other great options like Sussex, Wyandottes, and Black Copper Marans!
Are brown eggs healthier than white eggs?
Not really. The color of the eggshell doesn’t affect the nutritional value of the egg. Both brown and white eggs have similar health benefits; it all comes down to what your chickens eat.
Do brown egg layers lay as many eggs as white egg layers?
Yes, most brown egg layers can produce just as many eggs as white egg layers. Breeds like Rhode Island Reds can lay around 250 eggs per year, making them excellent producers.
Are brown egg-laying chickens friendly?
Many brown egg breeds, like Buff Orpingtons and Plymouth Rocks, are known for their friendly and docile nature. They’re often great for families or beginner chicken keepers.
How can I tell if my chicken will lay brown eggs?
You can usually tell the egg color by looking at the chicken’s earlobes. Chickens with red earlobes tend to lay brown eggs, while those with white earlobes usually lay white eggs.
Do brown egg-laying chickens require special care?
No. Brown egg layers don’t require any special care compared to other chickens. Just make sure they have a good diet, clean water, and a safe coop.
Can I mix brown egg layers with other breeds?
Absolutely! You can mix brown egg layers with other breeds, and they’ll generally get along just fine as long as you introduce them properly.
Do brown eggs taste different?
The taste of the egg depends more on the chicken’s diet than the shell color. So if your brown egg layers eat a varied, nutritious diet, you’ll likely enjoy delicious eggs.
Final Thoughts on Chickens that Lay Brown Eggs
Choosing the right brown egg layer for your flock can add beauty, personality, and, of course, lots of delicious eggs to your daily life. With so many great breeds to pick from, each with its own unique qualities, you can build a flock that perfectly suits your needs, whether it’s for egg production, cold hardiness, or just adding some fun, friendly faces to the yard.
Brown eggs bring that classic farm-fresh look to your egg basket, and these chickens make it easy to enjoy fresh eggs every day. No matter which breed you choose, you’re sure to love having these wonderful birds around!
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