Whether you are a seasoned farmer or just starting, selecting the right breed of chickens for egg-laying can be a challenging task. Chickens vary significantly in terms of their egg-layer capabilities, and understanding these differences is key to building a successful flock.
So whether you’re aiming for a small backyard coop or looking to grow your flock, we’ll explore what makes a breed excellent for egg-laying. From heritage to hybrid, we’ll help you choose the perfect feathered friends for your farm, ensuring a bountiful and enjoyable farming experience.
Understanding Egg-Laying Chickens
There’s nothing quite like the experience of raising your own flock of egg-laying chickens. However, not all hens are created equal in their egg-laying capabilities.
What makes a good egg layer?
Consistent and high rate of production: Some chicken breeds can lay up to 300 eggs per year, which means you could be collecting almost an egg every day from each hen. Some chicken breeds start laying eggs sooner than other breeds.
Egg size and color: Some breeds produce large, brown eggs while others lay smaller, white eggs or even blue, pink, or even chocolate-colored eggs.
Temperament and personality: Breeds that are hardy, adaptable, and easy to handle make for a smoother, enjoyable egg-raising experience.
Tips for selecting layer breeds for your flock
By choosing a chicken breed that suits your needs and meets good egg-layer criteria, you can ensure a plentiful supply of fresh eggs and an enriching farming experience.
Here are a few key factors to consider when the perfect egg layer breed for your farm.
Climate: Chickens come in various breeds, each suited to different climates. Though there are steps you can take to keep your chickens warm in the winter and cool in the summer, some breeds are better suited to warmer or colder climates.
Space: The amount of space you have can also determine the breed you choose. While some chickens tolerate confinement well, others thrive in free-range environments. Remember, happier hens are often healthier and more productive.
Purpose: Are you primarily interested in egg production, meat, or both? Perhaps you’re seeking a friendly pet that can also provide eggs or your kids can help raise. Understanding your purpose will help you choose the right breed.
Standard vs. Heritage vs. Hybrid chicken breeds – which is right for your farm?
As you look at raising egg-laying chickens, you’ll encounter a myriad of breeds to choose from. Three broad categories you’ll come across are standard, heritage, and hybrid breeds.
Understanding the differences between these 3 types can help you make an informed decision that’s right for your farm’s needs.
Standard Breeds
Standard chicken breeds, recognized by the American Poultry Association (APA), offer a diverse range of characteristics for various poultry needs. These breeds include a wide array of chickens developed over time for specific qualities.
Pros:
- Variety: Standard breeds offer a broad range of sizes, colors, egg-laying capabilities, and temperaments.
- Specific traits: Many standard breeds are developed for particular qualities, such as show characteristics, egg color, or feather patterns, providing unique options.
- Balanced qualities: These breeds often strike a balance between egg production and meat yield, making them versatile for different farming needs.
Cons:
- Variable egg production: Unlike specialized hybrid layers, some standard breeds may have moderate egg-laying rates.
- Specialized care: Certain standard breeds might require specific housing, diet, or care due to their unique characteristics.
- Inconsistent performance: As these breeds are not always bred for high productivity, their performance in terms of egg laying or growth rate can be less predictable.
Heritage Breeds
In the U.S., breeds are named “heritage breeds” to prevent historic chicken breeds from dying out. The Livestock Conservatory maintains a list of heritage breeds, with over 3 dozen breeds of chickens on the list.
Once a chicken breed is no longer in danger of extinction, they will graduate from the list and instead now a considered a standard breed.
To meet specific criteria set by the APA standard breed criteria and The Livestock Conservatory heritage criteria, the chicken breed must be able to mate naturally, have a long and productive outdoor lifespan, have a slow growth rate that leads to high-quality meat, and be in danger of extinction.
Pros:
- Adaptability: Heritage breeds are often well-adapted to local climates and conditions, making them hardy and resilient.
- Disease resistance: These breeds generally show stronger resistance to diseases.
- Sustainability: By raising heritage breeds, you contribute to the preservation of genetic diversity in poultry, which is crucial for the sustainability of agriculture.
Cons:
- Slow growth rate: Heritage breeds grow slower than hybrid breeds, which might be a downside if you’re looking to raise chickens for meat in addition to eggs.
- Lower egg production: While some heritage breeds are excellent layers, on average, they may not lay as many eggs as hybrids.
Hybrid Breeds
Hybrids are crossbred chickens designed to maximize certain desirable traits such as fast growth or high egg production.
Pros:
- High egg production: Hybrids are typically excellent layers, with some breeds capable of laying up to 300 eggs per year.
- Fast growth: If you’re raising chickens for meat, hybrids grow much faster than heritage breeds.
Cons:
- Shorter lifespan: Hybrids often have a shorter productive lifespan and might start laying fewer eggs after their first year.
- Specific needs: These breeds may require more specific care or feed to maintain their high productivity.
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to choosing the right breed for your farm. The choice between heritage and hybrid breeds depends on your specific goals, resources, and farming values.
Top Chicken Egg Layer Breeds
Let’s take a closer look at 12 outstanding egg-laying chickens – both heritage and hybrids – to help you make the best choice for your farm.
9 Egg-Laying Standard & Heritage Breeds:
1. Ancona
The Ancona is a breed that offers high egg production and a lively, active nature.
Eggs
- Average number of eggs: 175 to 250 per year
- Egg size: Medium to large
- Egg shade/color: White
Breed
Breed origin: This heritage breed originated in Italy.
Breed size: Anconas are medium-sized birds, with hens typically weighing around 4.5 pounds.
Appearance:
- Slim build with a long back and a fairly full breast
- Possesses a single comb or rose comb and has yellow skin
- Does not have a crest or muff/beard
Breed color/varieties: The Ancona’s plumage is black and mottled with white tips. This gives them a unique speckled appearance. The APA recognizes the single and rose comb varieties.
Average lifespan: With good care, Anconas can live up to 6 to 8 years.
Flock/Backyard Suitability
Purpose: Anconas are primarily raised for egg production.
Cold/Heat hardy: Anconas are very heat tolerant being a Mediterranean breed. They’re also capable of tolerating the cold, but the rose comb variety is better in icy climates since single combs are more susceptible to frostbite.
Bears confinement: Anconas prefer to be free-range over a wide area but will tolerate confinement.
Temperament/Personality: These birds are known for their active, flighty disposition and don’t get broody.
2. Australorp
Australorp is a versatile standard breed with high egg production, is adaptable to different environments, and has a pleasant temperament.
Eggs
- Average number of eggs: 175 to 250 per year
- Egg size: Large
- Egg shade/color: Brown
Breed
Breed origin: This breed originated in Australia and recently graduated from the heritage list.
Breed size: Australorps are large birds, with hens typically weighing around 6.5-8 pounds. There is also a bantam variety.
Appearance:
- Compact body shape with a broad and deep chest
- Possesses a single comb and white skin color
- Does not have a crest, muff/beard, or feathered legs
Breed color/varieties: The color recognized by the APA is black, but blue and white varieties also exist.
Average lifespan: With good care, Australorps can live up to 10 years.
Flock/Backyard Suitability
Purpose: Australorps are primarily raised for egg production, but they’re also considered a dual-purpose breed because of their sizable meat yield.
Cold/Heat hardy: Australorps are very heat tolerant and can adapt well to the cold being a heavier chicken with a small comb.
Bears confinement: Australorps do well in confinement as long as they are also allowed to forage.
Temperament/Personality: These birds are known for their gentle nature, docile personality, and friendliness. Australorps can be a bit chatty and occasionally go broody.
3. Delaware
Delawares are very suitable for farm flocks due to their docile nature, good egg layer capabilities, and adaptability.
Eggs
- Average number of eggs: 250 to 300 per year
- Egg size: Large
- Egg shade/color: Brown
Breed
Breed origin: This heritage breed originated in the United States.
Breed size: Delawares are medium to large birds, with hens typically weighing around 6.5 pounds.
Appearance:
- Long, broad back with a moderately deep, full breast
- Has a single comb and yellow skin
- Has feathered legs but doesn’t have a crest or muff/beard
Breed color/varieties: The Delaware chicken is primarily white with black barring on the tail and occasionally the neck. Though they’re recognized by the APA, there are no accepted color varieties.
Average lifespan: With good care, Delawares can live up to 6 to 8 years.
Flock/Backyard Suitability
Purpose: Delawares are primarily raised for egg production but are a dual-purpose breed because of their meat yield.
Cold/Heat hardy: Delawares are hardy birds that can adapt well to both cold and hot climates.
Bears confinement: Delawares prefer free-range environments but will tolerate confinement.
Temperament/Personality: These birds are known for their calm, friendly personalities but aren’t a “cuddly” breed. They will go broody.
4. Leghorn
The Leghorn is a high-performing breed that thrives in warm climates and free-ranging environments.
Eggs
- Average number of eggs: 250 to 300 per year
- Egg size: Large
- Egg shade/color: White
Breed
Breed origin: This breed originated in Italy. While there are heritage strains of the Leghorn, many commercial strains have been heavily selected for egg production and may not meet all heritage criteria.
Breed size: Leghorns are medium-sized birds, with hens typically weighing around 6.5 pounds. There is also a bantam variety.
Appearance:
- Slim build with a long, horizontal body line
- Possesses a single comb and yellow skin color
- Does not have a crest, muff/beard, or feathered legs
Breed color/varieties: There are many colors for the Leghorn, including white, black, blue, buff, cuckoo, mottled, partridge, and more. The APA recognizes all of these varieties.
Average lifespan: With good care, Leghorns can live up to 7 years.
Flock/Backyard Suitability
Purpose: Leghorns are primarily raised for egg production due to their impressive laying capabilities.
Cold/Heat hardy: Leghorns are heat-tolerant but can struggle in colder climates due to their large combs, which are susceptible to frostbite.
Bears confinement: While Leghorns bear confinement, they thrive best when given space to roam since they can get bored easily.
Temperament/Personality: These birds are known for being active, hardy, and somewhat flighty. They’re not particularly friendly or broody.
5. Maran
Maran is a versatile breed that offers both high egg production and a pleasant temperament.
Eggs
- Average number of eggs: 100 to 175 per year
- Egg size: Medium to large
- Egg shade/color: Dark brown
Breed
Breed origin: This standard breed originated in France.
Breed size: Marans are medium to large birds, with hens typically weighing around 6.5 pounds.
Appearance:
- Wide, deep body with a full breast
- Possesses a single comb and has white to light yellow skin
- Has feathered legs but no crest or muff/beard
Breed color/varieties: Marans come in a wide range of colors, including black copper, wheaten, and cuckoo. The APA recognizes all these varieties.
Average lifespan: With good care, Marans can live up to 8 years.
Flock/Backyard Suitability
Purpose: Marans are primarily raised for egg production, but they’re also considered a dual-purpose breed because of their meat yield.
Cold/Heat hardy: Marans are known for handling cold and warm environments.
Bears confinement: Marans bear confinement well but prefer to have time to forage.
Temperament/Personality: These birds are known for their easygoing and peaceful disposition, are not particularly talkative, may occasionally go broody, and do well in a mixed flock.
6. Orpington
Orpingtons are suitable for backyard flocks due to their docile nature and good egg-laying capabilities in colder environments.
Eggs
- Average number of eggs: 175 to 250 per year
- Egg size: Large
- Egg shade/color: Light brown
Breed
Breed origin: This breed originated in England and graduated from the heritage list in 2016.
Breed size: Orpingtons are large birds, with hens typically weighing around 6.5-8 pounds. There is also a bantam variety.
Appearance:
- Heavy, broad body with a low stance
- Possesses a single comb and has white skin
- Have feathered legs but lack a crest or muff/beard
Breed color/varieties: The most recognized colors are black, blue, buff, and white. The APA recognizes all of these varieties.
Average lifespan: Orpingtons can live up to 8 to 10 years with proper care.
Flock/Backyard Suitability
Purpose: Orpingtons are primarily raised for egg production, but they’re also considered a dual-purpose breed because of their meat yield.
Cold/Heat hardy: Orpingtons can tolerate cold temperatures but have a hard time in hotter temperatures due to their dense feathers.
Bears confinement: While they bear confinement, Orpingtons can also do well in a protected pasture.
Temperament/Personality: These birds are known for their gentle, friendly, and calm personalities and go broody often.
7. Plymouth Rock (Barred Plymouth Rock)
The Plymouth Rock, particularly the Barred variety, offers high egg production and a pleasant temperament.
Eggs
- Average number of eggs: 250 to 300 annually
- Egg size: Medium to large
- Egg shade/color: Brown
Breed
Breed origin: This breed originated in the United States and graduated from the heritage list.
Breed size: Plymouth Rocks are medium to large birds, with hens typically weighing around 7.5 pounds. There is also a bantam variety.
Appearance:
- Long, broad back with a moderately deep, full breast
- Possesses a single comb and has yellow skin
- Has feathered legs but lacks a crest or muff/beard
Breed color/varieties: The Barred Plymouth Rock with its striking black and white stripes is one of the most recognized varieties. However, other colors like buff, silver penciled, and more are also recognized by the APA.
Average lifespan: Plymouth Rocks can live up 6-8 years.
Flock/Backyard Suitability
Purpose: Plymouth Rocks are primarily raised for egg production but are also dual-purpose breeds because of their meat yield.
Cold/Heat hardy: Plymouth Rocks adapt well to both cold and hot climates.
Bears confinement: Plymouth Rocks prefer to roam free-range but will tolerate confinement.
Temperament/Personality: These birds are quiet, easy to handle, friendly with their flock mates, and aren’t particularly broody.
8. Rhode Island Red
The Rhode Island Red is a hardy breed that excels in egg production. Its adaptability and robust nature make it a great choice for both beginning and experienced poultry keepers.
Eggs
- Average number of eggs: 250 to 300 per year
- Egg size: Large
- Egg shade/color: Brown
Breed
Breed origin: This heritage breed originated in the United States, specifically in Rhode Island and Massachusetts.
Breed size: Rhode Island Reds are medium to large birds, with hens typically weighing around 6.5 pounds. There is also a bantam variety which is smaller.
Appearance:
- Brick-shaped body with a broad back and deep chest
- Yellow skin and a single, medium-sized red comb
- Does not have a crest, muff/beard, or feathered legs
Breed color/varieties: The standard Rhode Island Red color is dark red, but black-tailed red varieties also exist. The APA recognizes both varieties.
Average lifespan: Rhode Island Reds can live up to 8 years, but this can vary depending on their environment and care.
Flock/Backyard Suitability
Purpose: Rhode Island Reds are primarily used as layers but are considered a dual-purpose breed because they produce a good amount of meat.
Cold/Heat hardy: This breed is hardy in both cold and hot climates.
Bears confinement: Rhode Island Reds bear confinement well but also enjoy free-ranging and foraging in grass.
Temperament/Personality: Rhode Island Reds are known for being hardy, active, and not particularly broody. They are generally calm, docile, and friendly but can be more aloof than other breeds.
9. Wyandotte
Wyandottes are suitable for farm flocks due to their hardy nature, good egg-laying capabilities, and ability to tolerate cold temperatures.
Eggs
- Average number of eggs: 175 to 250 per year
- Egg size: Medium to large
- Egg shade/color: Brown
Breed
Breed origin: This breed originated in the United States and left the heritage list in 2016.
Breed size: Wyandottes are medium to large birds, with hens typically weighing around 6.5 pounds. There is also a bantam variety.
Appearance:
- Round and compact body shape
- Possesses a rose comb and has yellow skin
- Has feathered legs but no crest or muff/beard
Breed color/varieties: Wyandottes come in a wide range of APA-recognized colors, including silver laced, golden laced, blue, black, and more.
Average lifespan: With good care, Wyandottes can live up to 6 to 12 years.
Flock/Backyard Suitability
Purpose: Wyandottes are primarily raised for egg production but are a dual-purpose breed because of their meat production.
Cold/Heat hardy: Wyandottes are suitable for all climates.
Bears confinement: Wyandottes bear confinement but are also well-suited for a free-range environment.
Temperament/Personality: These birds are calm and friendly but are also known for their talkative, chatty personalities. Wyandottes do have strong broody tendencies.
3 Egg-Laying Hybrid Breeds:
1. Easter Egger
The Easter Egger is a colorful and productive layer with a pleasant temperament.
Eggs
- Average number of eggs: 200 to 280 per year
- Egg size: Medium to large
- Egg shade/color: Varied, including blue, green, cream, and pink
Easter Egger Straight Run
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Breed
Breed origin: The Easter Egger is an American hybrid chicken that does not conform to any breed standard but carries the blue egg gene.
Breed size: Easter Eggers are medium-sized birds, with hens typically weighing around 6-7 pounds.
Appearance:
- Varied appearance due to their mixed-breed heritage
- Can possess either a single or pea comb and have a variety of skin colors
- Often have muffs or beards
Breed color/varieties: Due to their mixed genetics, Easter Eggers can come in almost any color or combination of colors. They are not recognized by the APA.
Average lifespan: With good care, Easter Eggers can live up to 6 to 8 years.
Flock/Backyard Suitability
Purpose: Easter Eggers are primarily raised for egg production, particularly due to the unique colors of their eggs.
Cold/Heat hardy: Easter Eggers are hardy birds that can adapt well to both cold and hot climates.
Bears confinement: Easter Eggers will bear confinement well but enjoy time to roam free-range.
Temperament/Personality: These birds are known for being friendly, curious, and gentle. Easter Eggers rarely go broody.
2. ISA Brown
The ISA Brown is a hardy bird known for its extensive egg production and friendliness with humans.
Eggs
- Average number of eggs: 250 to 300 per year
- Egg size: Large to extra large
- Egg shade/color: Dark brown
Breed
Breed origin: The ISA Brown is a crossbreed, developed in France for high egg production.
Breed size: ISA Browns are medium-sized birds, with hens typically weighing around 4 to 6 pounds.
Appearance:
- Sturdy build with a full breast
- Possesses a single comb and has yellow skin
Breed color/varieties: ISA Browns are usually red-brown and are not recognized by the APA.
Average lifespan: With good care, ISA Browns can live for 3 to 4 years.
Flock/Backyard Suitability
Purpose: ISA Browns are primarily raised for egg production.
Cold/Heat hardy: ISA Browns are both cold and heat-hardy birds.
Bears confinement: They bear confinement well but are also excellent foragers.
Temperament/Personality: These birds are known for their calm, friendly dispositions and are known to get along with humans extremely well. ISA Browns are not known for being broody.
3. Sex Link
The Sex Link is a productive crossbreed that offers high egg production and a pleasant temperament.
Eggs
- Average number of eggs: 250 to 300 per year
- Egg size: Medium to large
- Egg shade/color: Brown
Breed
Breed origin: The Sex Link is an American crossbreed that takes advantage of determining a chick’s sex by looking at their color when they hatch.
Breed size: Sex Links are medium-sized birds, with hens typically weighing around 4 to 6 pounds.
Appearance:
- Sturdy build with a full breast
- Possesses a single comb and has yellow skin
- Does not have a crest or muff/beard
Breed color/varieties: Sex Links come in a variety of colors, including red, black, and gold. The color of the chick at hatching determines its sex. They’re not recognized by the APA.
Average lifespan: Sex Links can live up to 3 years.
Flock/Backyard Suitability
Purpose: Sex Links are primarily raised for egg production.
Cold/Heat hardy: Sex Links adapt well to both cold and hot climates.
Bears confinement: Sex Links bear confinement well but are also excellent foragers.
Temperament/Personality: These birds are known for having a calm, sweet temperament and not going broody.
Managing Excess Eggs
If you have a productive flock of egg-laying hens, there may be times when you find yourself with more eggs than you can use. While this is a good problem to have, it can become overwhelming.
Here are some creative and practical ways to manage excess eggs.
Preservation techniques
- Refrigeration: The most common way to store eggs is in the refrigerator, where they can last for up to 5 weeks.
- Freezing: Eggs can be frozen for longer storage. Crack them open, beat until just blended, then pour into freezer containers or ice cube trays. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a freezer bag.
- Pickling: Pickled eggs are a delicious treat and can last for several months in the refrigerator. Simply hard-boil your eggs, peel them, and then immerse them in a vinegar-based pickling solution.
- Water glassing: This old-fashioned preservation method involves immersing fresh eggs in a solution of water and sodium silicate or hydrated lime. Stored in a cool, dark place, water-glassed eggs can remain fresh for up to 2 years.
Creative uses in the kitchen
Excess eggs offer an opportunity to get creative in the kitchen. Beyond the usual scrambled eggs or omelets, consider making quiches, frittatas, and custards. You can even try your hand at making homemade pasta or egg-based sauces like Hollandaise.
Baking is another great way to use up extra eggs – cakes, cookies, and pastries often require several eggs.
Sharing or selling surplus eggs
If you still find yourself with more eggs than you can use, consider sharing them with friends, family, or neighbors. They’ll likely appreciate the gift of fresh, homegrown eggs.
Alternatively, you could sell your surplus. Farmer’s markets, local grocery stores, restaurants, or bakeries might be interested in purchasing fresh, locally-produced eggs. Just be sure to check local regulations regarding the sale of farm-fresh eggs.
Donation
Donating your excess eggs to local food banks or community programs is another excellent way to manage your surplus. It’s a meaningful way to give back to your community while ensuring that your eggs don’t go to waste.
No matter what you choose to do with your eggs, eggs safe to eat start with strong shells. Read our Chicken Feed Guide and Laying Hens FAQs for more information on helping your chickens lay strong eggs.
Choosing the Right Egg Layer for Your Chicken Flock
Selecting the right breed involves understanding the unique traits and requirements of different breeds. Whether you choose heritage breeds for their adaptability and sustainability or opt for hybrids for their high egg yield and fast growth, the decision should align with your farming goals.
Remember, the joy of farming extends beyond fresh eggs – it’s about nurturing a sustainable and rewarding lifestyle.
