Choosing the best egg-laying chicken breed for your backyard or homestead is not as straightforward as you might think. There are hundreds of chicken breeds to choose from and various factors to consider. This article will help you choose the best chicken for your situation.
Not All Chicken Breeds Are Excellent Egg Layers
The best egg-laying hens can produce up to 300 eggs — or even more — in their first year. Australorps, Cinnamon Queens, White Leghorns, Azure Blues and others are examples of great egg layers.
Breeds like Silkies are some of the worst egg layers. You'll get less than 100 eggs from them.
When choosing the best egg-laying chickens for your backyard or homestead, there are a few categories of chicken breeds to consider: those bred specifically for egg production, ones for meat, heritage breeds that generally serve dual purposes and ornamental breeds.
Egg-laying chickens can either be commercial hybrids or heritage breeds.
Some heritage chickens have been selectively bred for better egg production too. For example, breeds like the Orpington and White Leghorn can be bought from large commercial hatcheries, and they will have greater egg-laying abilities due to their genetics which have been selectively altered from the original.
But this shift can also drastically alter their appearance, so much so that the standard Buff Orpington in a commercial hatchery resembles the heritage English Orpington very little.
Confused? You're not alone. But this is crucial information to inform your decision. Keep reading, and it will start to make sense.
Commercial hybrid chickens are winners if we're talking about sheer egg production. They consistently outlay heritage breeds, which is why the retail egg industry relies on them. Hybrids like the Azure Blue or Red Sex Link, known under various names (Cinnamon Queen, Red Star, Golden Comet, etc.), can give you around 300 eggs per year or more and require less feed due to their smaller size.
However, while these hybrids lay more eggs, they're not quite as robust. They do not breed true either, so you cannot be self-sustaining and produce more chicks of the same type yourself. You will have to keep purchasing from hatcheries. Their egg-laying capacity drops significantly after three years, necessitating the replacement of your hens if you want the same output.
On the other hand, heritage breeds like English Orpington, Wyandotte, and Faverolle might lay fewer eggs (around 4-5 per week), but they can sustain this rate for many years. They also tend to be healthier, hardier, and more adaptable to foraging.
The trade-off? Most heritage breeds suitable for egg-laying are also good for meat, but their larger size means more feed costs. Do you want to feed massive birds when foraging opportunities are non-existent in winter?
I've done it, and it's not cheap. A hen that tops out at 3.5 lbs to 4 lbs is drastically different from a heritage type, which might reach double that size.
Heritage breeds also take longer to start laying, often 5-6 months, unlike commercial hybrids, some of which can begin as early as 16-18 weeks.
If you're after high egg output and don't mind replacing chickens every few years, go for commercial hybrids. But if you prefer healthier, long-lasting chickens serving egg and meat purposes, heritage breeds might be the better choice.
Heritage breeds are also more beautiful.
But you can always do what we do — have a mixed flock of both.
Let's delve into the list of the best egg-laying chickens:
Australorp
The Australorp is Australia's contribution to the English Orpington genetics and is now a distinct breed of chicken. As a dual-purpose heritage breed, it truly does excel: not only does the Australorp dress out a very large, meaty, white carcass, but they are also prolific egg layers that can lay more than 300 eggs annually. The bird is beautiful, docile, hardy, and great with children. A fine example of how heritage chickens can perform as well as commercial hybrids but a warning — these large birds require considerably more feed.
Australorp Chicken Facts
Primary Use: Dual-Purpose (Meat & Eggs)
Egg Production (Annual): 250-300
Starts Laying: 24 - 28 Weeks
Egg Size: Large - Jumbo
Egg Color: Brown
Size (Hen): 6.5 - 8 lbs & Up
Broody: Yes
Temperament: Calm
Origin: Australia
See Also: The Australorp Chicken {Top-Choice Dual-Purpose Breed}
Azure Blue
The Azure Blue (also called Azur Blue, depending on the genetic line) is one of the only known breeds of chickens that lay blue eggs — and this high-production commercial hybrid will lay a whopping 295 eggs annually. The eggs have a thick shell and are quite large. The hens are only 4 lbs at full size, making them cheaper to feed, and they do well on forage and pasture-based chicken management systems. Above, you can see some of my flock of hens next to my massive English Orpington rooster.
I have loved keeping this breed and will continue to do so for the beautiful eggs alone. The shells are noticeably thicker than those of my Cinnamon Queens, which makes them better for preserving and harder to break accidentally. Although the breed is not typically broody, I had a very determined hen last summer who successfully hatched and took care of the baby chicks by herself.
Azure Blue Chicken Facts
Primary Use: Egg Laying
Egg Production (Annual): 295
Starts Laying: 18 Weeks
Egg Size: Large
Egg Color: Blue
Size (Hen): 4 lbs
Broody: No
Temperament: Curious, Flighty
Origin: USA
See Also:
Ameraucana
Ameraucana chickens are known for their beautiful blue eggs and striking appearance. They're decent layers, typically producing around 4 eggs per week. While not the most prolific layers compared to some commercial hybrids, Ameraucanas consistently lay eggs with colorful shells, making them a popular choice for egg variety in backyard flocks. Their egg-laying capacity might not match that of certain hybrid breeds, but their unique egg color and charming appearance often make them a favorite among poultry enthusiasts.
So people consider this heritage breed dual-purpose, but I'm afraid I have to strongly disagree. I would not recommend the Ameraucana for anything other than eggs.
Ameraucana Chicken Facts
Primary Use: Egg Laying
Egg Production: (Annual) 200-230
Starts Laying: 20 - 24 Weeks
Egg Size: Medium
Egg Color: Blue
Size (Hen): 5.5 lbs
Broody: Yes
Temperament: Friendly, Curious
Origin: USA
See Also:
Bresse
The Bresse hen is a fine example of a true dual-purpose heritage breed chicken. I recommend this breed to everyone. We hatched and raised several dozen Bresse chickens the first year on the homestead. This 400-year-old breed of French origin is claimed to have the best-tasting chicken meat in the world. And the European prices for this bird indeed suggest the claim is warranted. In our experience, the hens were lovely, quiet, and calm, while the roosters were psychotic and dangerous and not to be trusted around children, but they did make the most incredible coq au vin regardless that fall.
Bresse Chicken Facts
Primary Use: Dual Purpose (Meat & Eggs)
Egg Production (Annual): 250
Starts Laying: 20 Weeks
Egg Size: Medium - Large
Egg Color: Light Brown
Size (Hen): 5 lbs
Broody: Sometimes
Temperament: Calm, Quiet
Origin: France
See Also:
Chantecler
A beautiful dual-purpose heritage breed from Canada that is particularly well suited for cold weather extremes. The Chantecler will lay up to 220 eggs each year. Named from the French words ‘chanter,’ meaning “to sing,” and ‘clair,’ meaning “bright.” Brother Wilfred Chatelain decided to develop the breed when he realized no chicken breeds had been created in Canada yet. He wanted to breed “a fowl of vigorous and rustic temperament that could resist the climatic conditions of Canada, a general-purpose fowl.” And so he did. This rare breed is well worth considering, we're adding some to our flock.
Chantecler Chicken Facts
Primary Use: Dual Purpose (Meat & Eggs)
Egg Production (Annual): 220
Starts Laying: 24 Weeks
Egg Size: Medium - Large
Egg Color: Brown
Size (Hen): 6.5 - 7.5 lbs
Broody: Sometimes
Temperament: Calm, Hardy
Origin: Canada
Cinnamon Queen
The "Cinnamon Queen" is a marketing name hatcheries use for their Red Sex Link chickens. Red sex-links are the result of crossing a Rhode Island Red or New Hampshire Red male over White Plymouth Rock, Rhode Island White, Silver Laced Wyandotte, or Delaware females. Many names and genetic strains exist for this hybrid.
She is sweet, calm, docile, and a prolific layers of 250 to 300 (or more) large to extra large eggs.
I currently have 10 in my flock, most lay every day, and I was surprised at how friendly and unafraid they were even though I got them as ready-to-lay pullets and not chicks. *Another breed often claimed to be "dual-purpose" that I will vehemently deny is a good choice for meat. Get this bird for her eggs. One fault I find is that the shells on the eggs are not as thick as the other breeds I have.
Cinnamon Queen Chicken Facts
Primary Use: *Dual Purpose (Meat & Eggs)
Egg Production (Annual): 250-300+
Starts Laying: 16-18 Weeks
Egg Size: Large to Jumbo
Egg Color: Brown
Size (Hen): 5.5 lbs
Broody: No
Temperament: Sweet, Friendly, and Docile
Origin: USA
See Also:
Easter Egger
The Easter Egger chicken is a backyard and homestead favorite for her ability to lay many eggs in fun colors: blue, green, cream, brown, etc. You never know what your particular Easter Egger will grow up to lay! Although this is not a purebred breed but rather a mutt, Easter Eggers generally have the genetics of the Ameraucana mixed with other breeds to create whatever desired color effect. Some birds strongly resemble the Ameraucana, especially in the face, while others carry no trace.
I have several in my flock, and they all look different from one another.
Easter Egger Chicken Facts
Primary Use: Egg Laying
Egg Production (Annual): 200-280
Starts Laying: 18-20 Weeks
Egg Size: Medium to Large
Egg Color: Blue! Green! Cream! White! It's a surprise!
Size (Hen): 4-5.5 lbs
Broody: Maybe
Temperament: Varies, Laid Back
Origin: USA
Faverolles
This fancy feathered heritage breed from France is a true dual-purpose beauty that is also one of the best egg-laying chickens you can add to your flock. They are known for sometimes laying PINK eggs and being a lovely but very hardy, healthy, and gentle breed. The Faverolles is gaining popularity in North America in recent years due to their striking appearance and practical utility. I'm very tempted to add this gorgeous and rare chicken breed to my own flock. I mean — just look at her!
Faverolles Chicken Facts
Primary Use: Dual-Purpose (Meat & Eggs)
Egg Production (Annual): 150-200
Starts Laying: 20 Weeks
Egg Size: Medium
Egg Color: Light brown, Beige, Pink-ish
Size (Hen): 6.5 lbs
Broody: Sometimes
Temperament: Gentle
Origin: France
See Also:
Hamburg Chicken
A rare and relatively unknown breed but one of the best egg-laying chickens. The Hamburg is a favorite exhibition chicken breed of ancient origins — it is thought to have originated in Holland sometime before the fourteenth century. They are prolific layers of medium-sized white eggs and are said to lay well for a very long time. They were nicknamed the "Dutch Everyday Layer." This is an economical small chicken breed choice.
Hamburg Chicken Facts
Primary Use: Egg Laying
Egg Production (Annual): 150-200+
Starts Laying: 22-24 weeks
Egg Size: Small - Medium
Egg Color: White
Size: 4 lbs.
Broody: No
Temperament: Spirited, Flighty
Origin: Holland
White Leghorn
There are two varieties of White Leghorn: the heritage dual-purpose variety that hails from Italy and the modern counterpart known for its incredible feed conversion ability and high output of large, white eggs. Although you can seek out the former, I'm talking about the latter — the hybrid egg machine. Not a beginner breed and not great with children, the White Leghorn can be a bit more aggressive than many chicken keepers would prefer. She remains an excellent choice for eggs nonetheless and will usually lay an egg daily. The White Leghorn comes in many colors, but white is the most popular and common.
White Leghorn Chicken Facts
Primary Use: Egg Laying
Egg Production (Annual): 300+
Starts Laying: 16-17 weeks
Egg Size: Large
Egg Color: White
Size (Hen) 4-5 lbs.
Broody No
Temperament Nervous, Flighty
Origin Italy
Rhode Island Red
The Rhode Island Red chicken is the state bird of Rhode Island and a domestic American breed of chicken that is renowned for her friendly, calm disposition and reputation as one of the best egg-laying chickens you can get. She is technically a dual-purpose bird.
Rhode Island Red Chicken Facts
Primary Use: Dual Purpose (Meat & Eggs)
Egg Production (Annual): 260+
Starts Laying: 18-20 Weeks
Egg Size: Extra Large
Egg Color: Brown
Size (Hen): 6.5 lbs.
Broody: Not Usually
Temperament: Laid back, Docile, Friendly
Origin: USA
See Also:
Plymouth Barred Rock
One of America's oldest breeds and a fantastic dual-purpose breed. Once upon a time Plymouth Rock was seen across the country, but WWII and the rapid industrialization of food that accelerated afterwards changed that. Thankfully, many people are rediscovering the practicality and benefits of heritage breeds like this.
Plymouth Barred Rock Chicken Facts
Primary Use: Dual Purpose (Meat & Eggs)
Egg Production (Annual): 250
Starts Laying: 20 Weeks
Egg Size: Large
Egg Color: Brown
Size (Hen): 7-7.5 lbs
Broody: No
Temperament: Docile
Origin: USA
See Also:
Wyandotte
Another stunning variety of chicken breeds that comes in 9 recognized beautiful color patterns. The Wyandotte is an American breed named after the Wyandotte peoples of North America. I know market egg farmers that use and love this breed for their eggs.
Wyandotte Chicken Facts
Primary Use: Dual Purpose (Meat & Eggs)
Egg Production: (Annual) 210
Starts Laying: 18 Weeks
Egg Size: Large
Egg Color: Brown
Size (Hen): 6-7 lbs
Broody: Yes
Temperament: Docile
Origin: USA
See Also: Wyandotte Chicken {The Most Beautiful Dual-Purpose Heritage Breed?}
Orpington
I raise Blue, Black, and Splash English Orpingtons for eggs and meat, and I am a huge fan of these beautiful, fluffy, large birds. I'm considering adding some of the other stunning colors they come in. They take a while to start laying, but will provide you with a steady supply of large to jumbo sized eggs for many years to come. Orpingtons are hardy, healthy birds that do well foraging for their supper and they are extremely quiet chickens. As they are a larger breed, they will require more feed, so keep that in mind. For more information on this beautiful heritage chicken, please see my article below for more details and pictures.
Hatchery Orpingtons will look different from the breed standard but are better layers. Buff Orpingtons are one of the most popular dual-purpose hatchery birds people buy.
Orpington Chicken Facts
Primary Use: Dual-Purpose
Egg Production (Annual): 200-250
Starts Laying: 24 - 26 Weeks
Egg Size: Large to Jumbo
Egg Color: Light creamy brown, can be pinkish-beige
Size (Hen): 6-8 lbs+
Broody: Yes
Temperament: Docile, Quiet, Calm
Origin: England
See Also:
Lohmann Brown
The Lohmann Brown hails from Germany, and at a whopping 350 eggs annually, she is one of the undisputed best egg-laying hybrid chickens around.
Lohmann Brown Chicken Facts
Primary Use: Egg Laying
Egg Production (Annual): 300-350
Starts Laying: 19 Weeks
Egg Size: Medium - Large
Egg Color: Brown
Size (Hen): 4.5 lbs
Broody: No
Temperament: Gentle, Tame
Origin: Germany
Minorca
Another striking chicken breed from the Mediterranean class, the Minorca hen lays the largest and whitest eggs from all the other white layers. An excellent forager, dual-purpose breed, and hardy chicken that does not generally go broody.
Minorca Chicken Facts
Primary Use: Dual-Purpose
Egg Production (Annual): 140 - 220
Starts Laying: 24 - 26 Weeks
Egg Size: Large
Egg Color: White
Size (Hen): 7.5 lbs
Broody: No
Temperament: Flighty, Curious, Sweet
Origin: England (Unknown/Disputed)
Sussex
A sweet and lively dual-purpose breed from England, the Sussex is a pretty hen and a great layer of large eggs. She does well confined or on pasture.
Sussex Chicken Facts
Primary Use: Dual-Purpose (Meat & Eggs)
Egg Production (Annual): 250
Starts Laying: 20 Weeks
Egg Size: Large
Egg Color: Light Brown, Cream
Size (Hen): 6-7 lbs
Broody: Sometimes
Temperament: Docile, Friendly
Origin: England
Ancona
The Ancona chicken is named for the city Ancona, the capital of the Marche region of Italy she comes from. Ancona chickens rarely go broody and will forage on pasture very well. Their eggs are white and of a good large size. They are quite a hardy breed but can be a little flighty—a lively, pretty, and small bird.
Ancona Chicken Facts
Primary Use: Egg Laying
Egg Production (Annual): 180
Starts Laying: 20 Weeks
Egg Size: Large
Egg Color: White
Size (Hen): 4 - 4.5 lbs
Broody: No
Temperament: Active, Lively
Origin: Italy
Read More: The Ultimate Guide to Homestead & Backyard Chicken Keeping
Comments
No Comments