Raising backyard chickens for eggs is becoming an increasingly popular hobby. Fresh eggs from chickens you raise yourself taste better and are more nutritious than store-bought eggs. Plus, chickens are fun pets with big personalities! But with so many chicken breeds to choose from, it can be tricky to decide which is the best laying hen for eggs. When choosing a chicken breed for egg production, you’ll want to consider factors like egg laying frequency, egg size, feed conversion ratio, predator avoidance, and temperament. The goal is to select a breed that will produce abundant large eggs consistently, remain in good health, avoid predators, and be pleasant to handle. Here’s an overview of some of the easiest backyard chicken breeds to raise for their egg production.
Top 5 Backyard Chicken Breeds for Eggs
1. Rhode Island Red
Rhode Island Red chickens are a classic dual purpose breed raised for both eggs and meat. They are a popular choice among backyard flock owners because they are known to be excellent layers.
Key traits:
- Lay 200-300 brown eggs per year
- Early maturing
- Excellent egg production in cold climates
- Medium-sized brown eggs
- Hardy in cold weather
- Docile temperament good for beginners
Rhode Island Reds are one of the best chickens for egg production. They start laying early at around 5-6 months old and will continue laying consistently throughout their 2-3 year prime production period. Their egg output declines gradually after 3 years. These sturdy hens lay a medium sized brown egg nearly every day. They have an agreeable personality and do well when confined or free ranged. Overall, Rhode Island Reds are a reliable egg layer that can produce up to 300 eggs annually.
2. Australorp
The Australorp is another chicken renowned as an exceptional layer of brown eggs. This Australian breed was developed for its egg laying productivity.
Key traits:
- Lay up to 250 brown eggs per year
- Excellent forager
- Heat and cold hardy
- Calm, friendly personality
- Large brown eggs
- Good egg production in hot and cold climates
Australorps are one of the best brown egg layers out there. They start laying early at 5 months old and often live up to 8 years while remaining productive egg layers for most of those years. These chickens have a very sweet and docile temperament that makes them a joy to keep. Their beautiful black plumage allows them to tolerate heat well. They also do well in cold weather. Australorps are an ideal homestead chicken breed that provides a consistent supply of large brown eggs no matter the climate.
3. Buff Orpington
The Buff Orpington is a quintessential dual purpose breed that lays plentiful large brown eggs while also providing meat.
Key traits:
- Lay 180-280 light brown eggs per year
- Calm personality good for families
- Tolerates confinement well
- Large meaty breed good for meat too
- Fluffy appearance makes them look bigger than they are
- Lay through winter but production drops in hot weather
Buff Orpingtons are lovely golden chickens with a docile temperament. They make great pets and are content confined or free ranged. While a bit too large for really intensive egg production, they remain moderately productive layers. Their large size does make them a good dual purpose breed for both eggs and meat. Just be aware that their egg production declines significantly in hot summer weather. But the rest of the year these fluffy beauties lay 3-5 appealing medium-large light brown eggs each week.
4. Leghorn
Leghorns are a lightweight white breed developed specifically for exceptional egg laying.
Key traits:
- Lay 280 or more white eggs per year
- Smaller sized eggs
- Skittish and active temperament
- Prone to pecking and aggression
- Prolific egg layer in any climate
- Produce eggs consistently for 2-3 years
In terms of pure egg productivity, you can’t beat a Leghorn. These lively chickens have been bred extensively for egg laying prowess. They start producing eggs at 18-20 weeks old and will continue laying at least 5 eggs per week for 2-3 years. The eggs are small to medium sized with white shells. Temperament wise, Leghorns tend to be skittish and active foragers. Their high energy and bossy attitudes mean they don’t make the best pets. But Leghorns are pound for pound champion egg layers capable of producing more than 280 eggs per year.
5. Ameraucana
Ameraucanas are a multi-purpose breed known for their beautiful blue colored eggs.
Key traits:
- Lay 200-250 blue or green eggs per year
- Medium-sized eggs
- Does well confined or free ranged
- Tolerates weather extremes well
- Docile and social temperament
- Prone to broodiness
This underrated breed is one of the best layers of colorful eggs. Ameraucanas lay a medium sized blue or green egg nearly every day. Their egg production is very consistent and they continue laying well over 2 years. These birds have an agreeable personality and tolerate weather extremes quite well. They aren’t bothered by hot summers or cold winters. Ameraucanas are set apart by their delightful blue eggs, making them a top choice for small flocks. Just be prepared for them to occasionally go broody.
How to Select the Best Chicken Breed for Eggs
Here are some tips on how to select a good backyard chicken breed for egg production:
- Choose breeds like Rhode Island Reds, Australorps, or Leghorns that are known for egg laying prowess.
- Opt for dual purpose breeds like Orpingtons or Plymouth Rocks if you also want meat.
- Pick breeds that produce well in your local climate conditions.
- For maximum eggs, go for lightweight but active breeds over chunky placid breeds.
- Prioritize docile, calm breeds if the chickens will be around children.
- Be aware that the highest volume layers like Leghorns can be bossy towards people and other chickens.
- Consider egg color and chicken temperament too when selecting a breed.
The most prolific egg layers pump out 200-280 eggs per year by being lightweight, active foragers. But calmer dual purpose breeds still produce a respectable 180-250 eggs annually. Think about your climate, flock goals, and preference for temperament when choosing chickens for home egg production.
Best Practices for Care to Maximize Egg Production
Once you’ve selected the right breed, optimize your flock’s egg production by following these tips for care:
- Provide at least 2-4 square feet of coop space per bird.
- Offer 8-10 square feet per chicken in the outdoor run area.
- Provide plenty of clean nest boxes, at least one box for every 2-3 hens.
- Offer a complete layer feed with 16-18% protein and calcium supplement.
- Provide oyster shell grit to boost calcium for egg shell strength.
- Keep feed and fresh water available at all times.
- Let chickens free range or give access to a grassy outdoor run.
- Keep coops clean and replace litter frequently to prevent disease.
- Collect eggs at least once daily to prevent pecking and breaking.
- Cull nonproductive chickens after second year to improve flock efficiency.
Giving chickens room to roam and quality feed is essential to maximize the number of eggs produced. Maintaining cleanliness, preventing disease, and culling aging chickens will also keep your flock laying at peak efficiency. Free ranging is ideal, but even confined chickens will produce well with sufficient indoor space.
Typical Egg Production by Age
| Chicken Age | Annual Egg Production |
|---|---|
| 5-18 months | 200-280 eggs per year |
| 2 years | 180-250 eggs per year |
| 3 years | 16-20 eggs per month |
| 4 years | 12-15 eggs per month |
| 5+ years | 0-5 eggs per month |
Egg laying is closely tied to a chicken’s age. Peak annual egg production occurs during the first 2 years. After 3 years, output starts to decline significantly. By 5 years, egg production is minimal. Culling and replacing chickens around 3 years old helps maintain high flock egg production.
Breed Comparison Table
| Breed | Color | Eggs/Year | Egg Color | Temperament | Cold Hardy | Heat Hardy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rhode Island Red | Red | 200-300 | Brown | Docile | Yes | Moderate |
| Australorp | Black | 250 | Brown | Docile | Yes | Yes |
| Buff Orpington | Golden | 180-280 | Light Brown | Docile | Yes | No |
| Leghorn | White | 280 | White | Active | Moderate | Yes |
| Ameraucana | Multi | 200-250 | Blue | Docile | Yes | Yes |
This comparison table summarizes the traits of the top 5 easiest to raise backyard chicken breeds for plentiful egg production.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many eggs do chickens lay per year?
Average annual egg production ranges from 180-280 eggs depending on the breed. Top performers like Leghorns can lay 280 eggs per year. Dual purpose breeds average about 180-240 eggs annually. Egg output declines as hens get older.
At what age do chickens start laying eggs?
Most breeds begin laying eggs between 18-24 weeks of age or 5-6 months old. Some breeds mature a little earlier or later. But you can expect pullets to begin laying by 6 months at the latest.
What chickens lay colored eggs?
Ameraucanas, Araucanas, and Easter Eggers lay beautiful blue or green eggs. Marans and Welsummers lay chocolate brown eggs. Cream Legbars produce sky blue eggs. Olive Eggers lay olive green eggs.
How long do chickens lay eggs?
Egg production peaks during the first 2 years, then slowly declines. Most hens will keep laying eggs consistently for 2-3 years. After 3 years output drops off significantly as chickens age. Chickens may lay sporadically for 4-5 years but productivity is very low.
What breed of chicken lays the most eggs per year?
Leghorn chickens are the champions of egg laying. They can produce more than 280 white eggs per year. Australorps, Rhode Island Reds, Ameraucanas, and other lightweight active breeds also rank among the top egg layers.
How many eggs does a chicken lay per day?
The average hen lays 4-5 eggs per week. Top producing breeds like Leghorns average one egg per day. During peak production, a hen might lay 6 eggs in a week but rarely daily. Egg laying occurs in cycles, with 1-2 days off per week.
What month do chickens lay the most eggs?
Egg production is highest in spring and summer, from March to July generally. Long daylight hours and moderate temperatures spur egg laying. Shorter winter days signal a decline in egg production. But some breeds like Australorps and Orpingtons lay consistently year round.
What time of day do chickens lay eggs?
Most chickens like to lay their eggs in the morning. The majority of hens lay their daily egg between 6-11 am. Some individuals prefer slightly later, but egg laying rarely occurs after 1 pm for most breeds.
How do I get my chickens to lay more eggs?
Give chickens a quality complete layer feed, oyster shell for calcium, and fresh water. Provide at least 10 hours of light. Allow access to the outdoors. Keep nesting boxes clean and collect eggs daily. Cull unproductive hens. Avoid environmental stressors.
Conclusion
When choosing a chicken breed for home egg production, prioritize breeds that are active good foragers known for excellent egg laying. Rhode Island Reds, Australorps, Leghorns, and Ameraucanas are prime examples of stellar egg chickens. Even the best laying breeds will need proper feed and care for optimal egg production. Avoid environmental stressors, provide clean nest boxes, and keep chickens healthy. With a productive breed and good care, backyard chickens can supply all the farm fresh eggs your family can enjoy. Let us know if you have any other questions!
