Are you planning on raising chickens for their eggs? The best decision raises prolific egg layers. There are several hen breeds that would give produces a generous supply of eggs every year. We’ve narrowed it down to the 7 best laying chicken breeds to help you get started with your egg farm.
1. Plymouth Rock
This breed’s popularity stems from its exceptional egg-laying abilities and longevity. They’ll be prolific producers starting for two years.
In their third year, the egg production level dwindles. However, you can still expect eggs for up to 10 years. Many poultry raisers favor this breed due to its exceptional productivity, even during winter.
Egg Production
| Egg Color | brown |
| Size | large |
| Number/year | 200 – 250 |
| Starts Laying at | 16-22 weeks old |
Physical Features
The Plymouth Rock possesses a full body that looks like a triangle. It has a wide, elongated back and a robust chest. This breed has loose and fluffy feathers, especially around its stomach. They stick out among the flock with their black and white barring patterns. Its earlobes, wattle, and comb are cherry red.
Temperament
If you’re looking for a gentle chicken to take care of, the Plymouth Rock breed is your best bet. They’re friendly and docile, making them good companions for families with kids. They get comfortable easily around humans, especially those familiar to them.
This best-laying hen also gets along well with other birds. It won’t be hard to integrate them into the flock. They’re best raised free-range since they’re excellent foragers. There’s a slim chance you’ll lose them since they are big creatures.
2. Rhode Island Red
The Rhode Island Red is an excellent breed for beginner poultry raisers or egg farmers. They are dual-purpose chickens, meaning they can provide meat and eggs.
Their original breeders designed them to serve the needs of Rhode Island farms. This bird’s good-looking features and superb egg-laying skills make it a favorite among many poultry raisers.
Egg Production
| Egg Color | brown |
| Size | extra-large |
| Number/year | 250 – 300 |
| Starts Laying at | 16-20 weeks old |
Physical Features
The Rhode Island red is the “poster child” representing beautiful chickens. The combination of its maroon plumage and the pinkish under fluff makes it more attractive.
Some Rhode Islands have extremely red feathers, bordering on black. They have dark red beaks and sunset orange eyes. These birds stand on yellow feet and legs highlighted with reddish streaks.
Temperament
Farmers love having these chickens in their flock due to their usefulness and efficiency. They’re friendly and sociable, making them appropriate for inexperienced pet owners.
Families with children would appreciate their non-fussy nature and sweet temperament. These chickens love to forage, so you can save on feeds. Lastly, they are hardy animals that can survive extreme weather changes.
3. Sussex
The British are famous for many things- tea, Big Ben, and the Sussex chicken breed. It almost became extinct in the 20th century. However, an enterprising farmer who owned the last batch of Sussexes propagated the breed. This chicken shines in its versatility- it can lay eggs, provide meat, and join poultry shows.
Egg Production
| Egg Color | Brown, cream, and tan |
| Size | large |
| Number/year | 200 – 350 |
| Starts Laying at | 20 weeks old |
Physical Features
The Sussex chicken comes in several varieties, including white, speckled, and buff. They tip the scale at 3-4 kg, making them one of the heavier breeds among laying hens. These birds come in eight various colors.
However, the most common variety is white with black tail and neck feathers. They also have a full, level back and broad shoulders. Their rectangular build makes them appear larger than they are.
Temperament
The Sussex could roam around the garden without damaging the flowers and plants. So, this breed is a great choice for garden owners and foliage lovers.
They’re a fairly calm bunch that would love feeding from your hand. However, due to their laid-back nature, they sometimes get bullied by other breeds. So, owners must focus on keeping them safe.
4. Australorp
Australorp is an abbreviation of the name Australian Utility Black Orpington. This heritage breed is a more practical and productive adaptation of the British Black Orpington.
They are excellent layers and generous meat providers. Generally, heritage chickens aren’t as prolific egg layers as hybrid breeds. However, they make up for it by being more productive for longer.
Egg Production
| Egg Color | Light brown to pinkish brown |
| Size | large |
| Number/year | 250 – 300 |
| Starts Laying at | 22-24 weeks old |
Physical Features
This top layer looks majestic with its shiny black feathers and emerald green highlights. On average, it weighs 3-4 kg. It has a solid body that is robust and round.
Its white soles complement its black and slate-blue legs. This beautiful breed has a red comb, wattles, and earlobes. Their attractive appearance and sweet vibes make them a favorite among raisers.
Temperament
These chickens are perfect for people starting in the poultry-raising business. Their docile nature makes them perfect for families and beginners. They love socializing with humans and can be friendly toward their keepers.
These social creatures thrive best in places where they can roam freely. These hardy creatures so can survive in cold climates. They love foraging, making them perfect free-range chickens.
5. Wyandotte
Competitive chicken enthusiasts and backyard poultry raisers fancy the Wyandotte. It is because of its sturdiness and practicality. In the 19th century, Americans successfully bred beautiful and productive birds.
Egg Production
| Egg Color | brown |
| Size | large |
| Number/year | 200 |
| Starts Laying at | 18-20 weeks old |
Physical Features
Wyandottes are attractive birds that come in various colors. They usually weigh between 2.7-3.8 kg. They appear to be very solid and present a generous amount of feathers. Their rose combs can withstand brutal winters and can avoid frostbites.
These chickens have reddish eyes, a stout beak, and a shot and wide head. Additionally, they have red earlobes and wattles. Lastly, they stand on yellow, featherless legs.
Temperament
The Wyandottes is one of the best options if you want to raise chickens free-range. They’re exceptionally great foragers and would delight in wide, open spaces. They love to scratch on the ground to look for bugs, seeds, and other natural treats.
They are surprisingly docile for a bird their size. They love to be alone and would only socialize with their fellow Wyandottes. It isn’t in their nature to be aggressive, but they would fight back when provoked or hurt.
6. Buff Orpington
This dual-purpose chicken loves to cuddle and stay on their owner’s lap. So, if you’re looking for a hen that you can pet, then the Buff Orpington is the best option for you.
Aside from their endearing social skills, this breed is also a prolific layer. Egg farmers have to watch out, though. They are extremely broody hens who love to see their eggs hatch.
Egg Production
| Egg Color | brown |
| Size | medium |
| Number/year | 200-280 |
| Starts Laying at | 20-28 weeks old |
Physical Features
This breed is known for its fluffy feathers and robust body. It also presents a curvacious and short back. Their distinct golden-yellow appearance makes them stand out from the rest of the flock.
This feature makes them a crowd favorite at many poultry shows. Their clean shanks and feet appear to be pinkish-white. These gorgeous birds can make you fall in love with the breed.
Temperament
This hen breed is one of the most docile pets you can have. Raising them is a pretty straightforward endeavor, so they’re perfect for backyard raisers and beginner pet owners. They thrive in a confined environment but also do well in a free-range setting.
7. Leghorn
A list of best-laying chicken breeds isn’t complete without mentioning the Leghorn. This most recognizable breed is a favorite among poultry enthusiasts and egg farmers.
You can’t blame them because these hens produce a whopping four eggs per week. They’re unstoppable egg-laying “machines” that can provide a steady stream of income for their owners.
Egg Production
| Egg Color | white |
| Size | large |
| Number/year | 280-320 |
| Starts Laying at | 18-20 weeks old |
Physical Features
You have probably seen a Leghorn once in your life. They are a common sight in many farms and backyards. They have white feathers and cherry red wattles and combs. They come in many varieties, but the white Leghorn is often in the spotlight. They’re the most common breeds used by commercial egg producers.
Temperament
These egg industry darlings are quite an active bunch. It may be challenging for beginners to raise them. However, once you get used to their quirks, you’ll have an enjoyable time harvesting their eggs. They love to move around but get scared easily.
These birds enjoy staying in pens or coops, especially during cold months. However, during summer, they love to forage for food outdoors.
Summary
Raising chickens for their eggs is an endeavor worth experiencing. The 7 best laying breeds mentioned in this article can provide you with years of satisfying egg production. With the proper care and a nourishing environment, you can raise prolific hens for home or business purposes.
