Top 15 Egg-Laying Hens: Your Ultimate Guide
When it comes to choosing the best-laying hens for your backyard, I understand that you’re looking for breeds that provide not only a high quantity of eggs but also quality. The hens I’ve highlighted here are some of the most reliable, hardy, and productive layers available. Whether you’re a seasoned chicken keeper or a beginner, these breeds will serve your needs well.
In this guide, I will dive into What are the Best Laying Hens, Eggs Per Year, Egg Color, and Egg Size all that you need to know.
1. Leghorn
Overview
Leghorns are perhaps one of the most recognizable and classic breeds when it comes to egg production. Originating from Italy, these birds have made a name for themselves as top-tier layers, consistently producing a high volume of eggs. They are lightweight, active, and hardy, making them an ideal choice for those looking to maximize egg output.
Characteristics
- Eggs Per Year: 280-320
- Egg Color: White
- Egg Size: Large
Leghorns are often praised for their efficiency in converting feed into eggs. They are highly active birds that prefer to free-range, and they are known for their sleek, white feathers and bright red combs. Their prolific laying makes them a favorite among both small-scale and commercial egg producers.
2. Rhode Island Red
Overview
Rhode Island Reds are a staple in many backyard flocks due to their adaptability and resilience. Originating from the United States, this breed is renowned for its hardiness and ability to thrive in various climates. They are excellent layers of large, brown eggs and are known for their robust health and vigorous nature.
Characteristics
- Eggs Per Year: 250-300
- Egg Color: Brown
- Egg Size: Large
The Rhode Island Red is a dual-purpose breed, meaning they are good for both egg production and meat. However, their true strength lies in their egg-laying abilities. They are a hardy breed, capable of withstanding cold winters and hot summers, which makes them a versatile choice for backyard chicken keepers.
3. Golden Comet
Overview
Golden Comets are a modern hybrid breed designed specifically for high egg production. These birds are a cross between White Leghorns and Rhode Island Reds, inheriting the best traits from both parent breeds. Golden Comets are known for their friendly disposition and exceptional laying capabilities, making them a popular choice for backyard flocks.
Characteristics
- Eggs Per Year: 280-300
- Egg Color: Brown
- Egg Size: Large
Golden Comets start laying eggs at an early age and maintain high production throughout their laying years. Their eggs are large and brown, and the hens are easy to manage due to their docile and friendly nature. This breed is particularly suited for those who want a dependable egg layer without the challenges of raising more temperamental birds.
4. Australorp
Overview
Australorps are an Australian breed that has earned international recognition for their outstanding egg production. These birds hold the world record for egg laying, with one hen laying 364 eggs in a single year. Australorps are large, gentle birds with glossy black feathers, making them both productive and attractive additions to any flock.
Characteristics
- Eggs Per Year: 250-300
- Egg Color: Dark Brown
- Egg Size: Large
Australorps are not only prolific layers but also very hardy, thriving in a wide range of climates. They are known for their calm and friendly nature, making them excellent for families and beginners. The dark brown eggs they produce are large and consistent in size, providing a steady supply of eggs throughout the year.
5. Ancona
Overview
Anconas are a Mediterranean breed that stands out due to their striking black and white plumage and impressive egg-laying abilities. Originally from Italy, these birds are energetic and thrive in free-range environments. Anconas are known for their excellent foraging skills and their ability to lay a large number of white eggs.
Characteristics
- Eggs Per Year: 220-280
- Egg Color: White
- Egg Size: Medium to Large
Anconas are active and alert birds, which makes them great foragers and excellent at avoiding predators. They are well-suited for free-ranging but can adapt to confinement if necessary. Their unique plumage adds visual interest to any flock, and their egg production is consistent, making them a reliable choice for egg production.
6. Plymouth Rock
Overview
Plymouth Rocks, also known as Barred Rocks, are one of the oldest and most popular dual-purpose chicken breeds in the United States. Known for their distinctive black and white striped feathers, these birds are excellent layers of large brown eggs and are also valued for their meat. Plymouth Rocks are friendly, hardy, and easy to care for, making them a great choice for beginners.
Characteristics
- Eggs Per Year: 200-280
- Egg Color: Brown
- Egg Size: Large
Plymouth Rocks are versatile birds that do well in a variety of environments. Their calm temperament and consistent egg production make them a favorite among backyard chicken keepers. In addition to their egg-laying abilities, they are also valued for their meat, making them a practical choice for those looking to raise dual-purpose birds.
7. Barnevelder
Dan Tappan
Overview
Barnevelders are a Dutch breed known for their beautiful laced feathers and the rich, dark brown eggs they produce. These birds are not only stunning to look at but also reliable layers, making them a prized addition to any flock. Barnevelders are hardy and adapt well to different climates, making them a versatile choice for various regions.
Characteristics
- Eggs Per Year: 180-220
- Egg Color: Dark Brown (Chocolate)
- Egg Size: Large
Barnevelders are medium-sized birds with a calm and friendly disposition. They are easy to manage and do well in both free-range and confined environments. Their dark brown eggs are often described as having a chocolate hue, which adds a unique variety to your egg basket. These birds are perfect for those who value both beauty and productivity in their flock.
Read Also: Fowl Meat: A Comprehensive Guide to Poultry
8. Orpington
Overview
Orpingtons are a British breed known for their large size, fluffy feathers, and gentle nature. These birds are dual-purpose, providing both meat and eggs, but they are particularly valued for their egg production. Orpingtons are friendly and easy to handle, making them an ideal choice for families and those new to raising chickens.
Characteristics
- Eggs Per Year: 180-200
- Egg Color: Brown
- Egg Size: Large
Orpingtons are often described as “gentle giants” due to their size and docile temperament. They are excellent layers of large brown eggs and continue to produce even in the colder months. Their fluffy feathers make them cold-hardy, and they are known for their friendly and calm demeanor, making them a delightful addition to any backyard flock.
9. Sussex
Overview
The Sussex is a classic English breed that has been a staple in poultry keeping for centuries. Known for their hardiness and consistent egg production, Sussex chickens are an excellent choice for those seeking a reliable layer. These birds are also dual-purpose, providing both meat and eggs, and they are known for their calm and friendly nature.
Characteristics
- Eggs Per Year: 220-260
- Egg Color: Brown
- Egg Size: Large
Sussex chickens are easy to manage and do well in various environments, from free-ranging to confinement. They are curious and active foragers, making them great for pest control in your garden. The large brown eggs they produce are consistent in size and quality, and their reliable nature makes them a favorite among backyard chicken keepers.
10. New Hampshire Red
Overview
New Hampshire Reds are a breed that was developed in the United States as a more productive alternative to the Rhode Island Red. These birds are known for their fast growth, hardiness, and excellent egg production. New Hampshire Reds are dual-purpose birds, valued for both their large brown eggs and their meat.
Characteristics
- Eggs Per Year: 200-280
- Egg Color: Brown
- Egg Size: Large
New Hampshire Reds are robust and easy to care for, making them a practical choice for both novice and experienced chicken keepers. They are friendly and adaptable, thriving in various climates and environments. Their egg production is consistent, and they are known for their ability to produce well into the colder months
11. Ameraucana
Overview
Ameraucanas are a unique and popular breed known for their beautiful blue and green eggs. Originating in the United States, these birds are a relatively new breed, developed in the 1970s. Ameraucanas are medium-sized birds with a friendly and calm disposition, making them a great addition to any flock.
Characteristics
- Eggs Per Year: 180-220
- Egg Color: Blue/Green
- Egg Size: Medium to Large
Ameraucanas are prized for their colorful eggs, which add a vibrant variety to any egg basket. They are hardy birds that do well in various climates, and their calm nature makes them easy to manage. These birds are also known for their distinctive appearance, with a pea comb, muffs, and a beard, making them stand out in any flock.
12. Easter Egger
Overview
Easter Eggers are not a true breed but rather a hybrid that can produce eggs in a variety of colors, including blue, green, pink, and olive. These birds are popular for their colorful eggs and friendly nature. Easter Eggers are easy to care for and make an excellent choice for those looking to add a splash of color to their egg collection.
Characteristics
- Eggs Per Year: 200-280
- Egg Color: Blue/Green/Pink/Olive
- Egg Size: Medium to Large
Easter Eggers are hardy and adaptable, thriving in various environments. Their egg color can be unpredictable, with each hen laying a different shade. These birds are friendly and curious, making them great pets as well as productive layers. If you want a diverse and colorful egg basket, Easter Eggers are the perfect choice.
13. Marans
Overview
Marans are a French breed known for their dark chocolate-colored eggs. These birds are both beautiful and productive, with a reputation for laying some of the darkest eggs among chicken breeds. Marans are hardy and robust, making them well-suited for a variety of climates.
Characteristics
- Eggs Per Year: 150-200
- Egg Color: Dark Brown (Chocolate)
- Egg Size: Large
Marans are medium to large-sized birds with a calm and friendly temperament. They are easy to manage and do well in free-range environments. Their dark brown eggs are highly sought after, often described as having a rich, chocolate hue. If you’re looking for a breed that produces unique and visually appealing eggs, Marans are an excellent choice.
14. Wyandotte
Overview
Wyandottes are an American breed known for their beautiful plumage and reliable egg production. These birds are medium to large-sized and are often recognized for their striking laced feathers. Wyandottes are a dual-purpose breed, valued for both their eggs and meat.
Characteristics
- Eggs Per Year: 200-240
- Egg Color: Brown
- Egg Size: Large
Wyandottes are friendly and easy to manage, making them a popular choice for backyard flocks. They are cold-hardy and continue to lay well into the winter months. Their large brown eggs are consistent in size, and their beautiful appearance adds a touch of elegance to any flock. Wyandottes are a great all-around choice for both egg production and aesthetics.
15. Black Star
Overview
Black Stars are a hybrid breed specifically developed for high egg production. These birds are a cross between Rhode Island Reds and Barred Plymouth Rocks, resulting in a robust and prolific layer. Black Stars are known for their excellent egg-laying abilities and friendly disposition.
Characteristics
- Eggs Per Year: 250-300
- Egg Color: Brown
- Egg Size: Large
Black Stars are easy to care for and adapt well to various environments. They are consistent layers, producing large brown eggs throughout the year. Their friendly nature makes them suitable for both experienced chicken keepers and beginners. If you’re looking for a dependable and high-yielding layer, Black Stars are a fantastic choice.
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Final Words
Choosing the right laying hens for your backyard flock is crucial to ensuring a steady supply of eggs. Each breed listed here offers unique qualities that make them ideal for different needs and preferences. Whether you’re looking for high egg production, colorful eggs, or a breed that’s easy to manage, there’s something for everyone on this list. Remember, a well-balanced flock with a variety of breeds can provide you with a diverse and satisfying egg basket all year round.
