17 Of The Best Chickens For Eggs
If you’re looking for the best chickens for eggs, you’ve come to the right place! Whether you’re starting a backyard flock or expanding your homestead, choosing the best laying chickens is key to getting a steady supply of fresh eggs. There are many types of chickens to choose from, but not all breeds lay the same number of eggs, nor do they all thrive in the same environments. Below, we’ve compiled a list of 17 of the best laying hens for eggs, including their egg color, annual production, size, temperament, and whether they are good foragers that will thrive in a backyard setting.
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1. White Leghorn
If you want high production, the White Leghorn is one of the best laying chickens you can get. These hens lay 250–300 large white eggs per year. They are medium-sized birds (4.5–5 lbs), have an active and flighty temperament, and are excellent foragers, making them great for free-range setups. However, they can be a bit skittish and not as friendly as some other breeds.
2. Rhode Island Red
One of the most popular types of chickens, Rhode Island Reds are hardy and reliable. They lay 250–300 large brown eggs per year, making them one of the best laying hens for eggs. These birds are medium to large (6.5–8.5 lbs), have a friendly yet independent personality, and do well in both free-range and confined settings. They are also great foragers and can handle various climates.
3. Golden Comet
This hybrid breed is bred specifically for egg production and lays an impressive 280–320 large brown eggs per year. Golden Comets are medium-sized (4–6 lbs), very friendly, and excellent backyard chickens. They adapt well to confinement but also enjoy free-ranging.
4. Sussex
The Sussex is a fantastic dual-purpose breed that lays 250–300 large brown eggs per year. They are large birds (6–9 lbs), with a calm and friendly demeanor that makes them great for families. These birds are good foragers and do well in both free-range and confined setups.
5. Australorp
Originating from Australia, Australorps are famous for their egg-laying abilities. They lay 250–300 large brown eggs per year and are large birds (6.5–8.5 lbs). Their calm and friendly nature makes them one of the best backyard chickens, and they are decent foragers.
6. Plymouth Rock
A great heritage breed, Plymouth Rocks lay 200–280 large brown eggs per year. They are large birds (7–8 lbs) with a docile and friendly personality. They are excellent foragers and very adaptable to different environments.
7. Orpington
The Buff Orpington is a favorite among backyard chicken keepers. They lay 200–280 large brown eggs per year, are large birds (7–8 lbs), and are exceptionally friendly and docile. They do well in confinement but are not the best foragers.
8. Barnevelder
Barnevelders lay 180–220 dark brown eggs per year. They are medium to large (5–7 lbs), calm and friendly, and decent foragers. These birds are a good choice if you want best laying chickens that also produce unique, dark eggs.
9. Marans
Famous for their deep chocolate-colored eggs, Marans lay 150–200 large eggs per year. They are medium-sized (5–7 lbs), have a friendly but reserved personality, and are good foragers.
10. Easter Egger
These birds are known for their colorful egg production, laying 200–280 medium to large eggs per year in shades of blue, green, and pink! They are medium-sized (4–6 lbs), curious and friendly, and great for free-range environments.
11. Isa Brown
A commercial hybrid designed for maximum egg output, Isa Browns lay 300–350 large brown eggs per year. They are medium-sized (5–6 lbs), friendly and docile, and make excellent backyard birds.
12. Ancona
An active and hardy breed, Anconas lay 220–280 white eggs per year. They are small to medium-sized (4–5 lbs), independent and flighty, and are great foragers.
13. Welsummer
Known for their dark, speckled eggs, Welsummers lay 180–250 large brown eggs per year. They are medium-sized (5–7 lbs), friendly and intelligent, and do well in free-range conditions.
14. Dominique
A hardy, dual-purpose breed, Dominiques lay 230–275 brown eggs per year. They are medium-sized (5–7 lbs), gentle and friendly, and great for free-ranging.
15. New Hampshire Red
Similar to the Rhode Island Red, New Hampshire Reds lay 200–280 large brown eggs per year. They are large birds (6.5–8.5 lbs), friendly but assertive, and decent foragers.
16. Andalusian
These striking blue birds lay 200–250 large white eggs per year. Andalusians are medium-sized (5–7 lbs), active and hardy, and excellent foragers.
17. Lakenvelder
This rare breed lays 180–250 medium white eggs per year. Lakenvelders are medium-sized (4–6 lbs), alert and independent, and good for free-range setups.
Choosing the best chickens for eggs depends on your needs and setup. If you want best laying hens for eggs with high egg production, breeds like White Leghorns, Golden Comets, and Rhode Island Reds are excellent choices. If you’re looking for colorful eggs, Easter Eggers, Marans, and Welsummers will add variety to your egg basket. And if you want a mix of good egg-layers with friendly temperaments, Orpingtons, Sussex, and Plymouth Rocks are fantastic choices. No matter what, there’s a perfect breed for every backyard flock!
