If you’re a frequent egg consumer, keeping backyard chickens can be a game-changer. Not only will you save thousands or tens of thousands of dollars per year, but you’ll also enjoy the convenience of having fresh eggs available daily. To maximize your returns, it’s essential to select the most prolific chicken breeds that produce an abundance of eggs. This way, you can achieve even greater savings by producing more eggs with a smaller flock.
Today, we’ll delve into the world of egg-laying chickens and explore the best breeds for your backyard operation.
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The 10 Best Eggers
While individual preferences for egg-laying chicken breeds undoubtedly exist, there are certain breeds that consistently dominate the list of heavy egg layers. These five breeds are particularly well-known for their impressive production capabilities. That being said, it’s essential to keep in mind that introducing new birds to an existing flock can sometimes lead to conflicts between breeds.
White Leghorns
White Leghorn chickens are a robust breed renowned for their prolific egg-laying abilities. Provided they have access to adequate food, water, and warmth, you can expect an impressive annual yield of around 280 large white eggs. While they may not be the best-suited for free-range environments, they can thrive in such conditions during the summer months when temperatures are warm and forage is abundant.
It’s worth noting that White Leghorns have a tendency to become easily agitated, which may impact their overall demeanor. As a breed, they tip the scales at approximately 5 pounds for females, with egg production commencing at around 16-17 weeks of age.
Rhode Island Red
Rhode Island Red chickens are a delight to care for, with each hen capable of producing around 260 eggs per year. Their exceptional foraging abilities make them an excellent choice for free-range and penned flock management. To maximize their foraging potential, simply relocate the pen regularly to ensure ample food sources. While they’re hardy birds, it’s worth noting that they can develop a dominant personality, particularly when mixed with smaller breeds.
For this reason, keeping them separate is often the most effective approach. Notably, these hens typically reach maturity between 18-24 weeks of age and will begin laying eggs shortly thereafter.
Red Sex Link
The Red Sex Link is a top choice for those seeking cold-hardy, free-range birds that excel in egg production. On average, these birds lay between 250 to 300 brown-colored eggs per year, making them an attractive option for enthusiasts of this type of egg. Not only do they thrive in the presence of other birds, but their gentle and quiet nature also makes them a pleasure to keep as pets.
However, it’s worth noting that they don’t have a strong broodiness instinct, so those seeking a bird with this trait may want to look elsewhere. In terms of key characteristics, Red Sex Links are known for their egg production (annual: 250-300), temperament (gentle and quiet), and weight (female: 5-7.5 lbs). They begin laying eggs at around 15 weeks old.
Ameraucana
Barred Plymouth Rock
If you’re seeking a kid-friendly and friendly egg-laying chicken breed that’s hard to surpass, the Barred Plymouth Rock is an excellent choice. These birds excel as foragers, making them ideal for free-range environments. They are also prolific egg layers, producing a steady supply of fresh light brown or peach-colored eggs. What’s more, they integrate seamlessly into other flocks and their larger size means you’re less likely to lose them.
As for production, these hens can lay approximately 280 eggs annually. In terms of temperament, Barred Plymouth Rocks are calm and laid-back. Female birds typically weigh around 6.5 pounds, with egg production beginning at around 18-22 weeks old.
Golden Laced Wyandottes
Wyandotte chickens are a popular choice among poultry enthusiasts, offering a unique blend of characteristics that make them well-suited for both egg production and free-range living. Their large size makes them a valuable resource for those who appreciate the benefits of having a bigger bird in the pot, while their gentle nature and excellent foraging abilities ensure they thrive in a natural environment.
With their stunning, vibrant plumage, it’s no wonder why Wyandotte hens are often sought after for their broodiness – allowing them to nurture their young with care and dedication. As an added bonus, these birds tend to start laying eggs at around 18-20 weeks of age, producing approximately 200 eggs per year. Weighing in at a respectable 6 pounds as adults, Wyandotte hens are truly a delight for any chicken keeper.
New Hampshire Red
When it comes to a versatile chicken that excels in both egg production and meat quality, the New Hampshire Red is an excellent choice. While they may not be as prolific egg layers as some breeds, they still manage to produce around 200 eggs per year. Moreover, their eggs are considered to be of particularly high taste and quality. This breed also boasts cold hardiness and a strong maternal instinct in hens, making them excellent mothers.
However, roosters can become quite territorial if there aren’t sufficient numbers of hens. In terms of temperament, New Hampshire Reds tend to be competitive and aggressive. If you’re looking for a breed that can serve as both an egg layer and meat producer, the New Hampshire Red should be at the top of your list. Key characteristics include egg production (annual) of 200, temperament is competitive and aggressive, weight of female birds reaches 6.
5 lbs, and they start laying eggs at around 18-21 weeks old.
Buff Orpington
The Buff Orpington’s appeal is undeniable. These majestic birds are not only large and stunning but also make fantastic pets. While they may not be the most prolific egg layers, producing around 150 eggs per year, their gentle nature makes them an excellent choice for families or those seeking a docile companion. They thrive in contained environments like pens or coops, but under suitable conditions, they can also excel as free-range birds.
However, it’s essential to consider their requirements: their fluffy coats demand shelter from the elements, and their limited flying abilities make them vulnerable to predators when roaming freely.
Australorp
Australorp chickens are renowned for being one of the most human-friendly breeds, offering a unique combination of characteristics that make them an attractive choice for many chicken enthusiasts. Their impressive egg-laying capacity is just the beginning, as they also provide a decent amount of meat and boast stunning plumage. For beginners, Australorps might be an excellent starting point, thanks to their gentle nature and ease of handling.
However, it’s essential to note that they can be quite dominant when kept with other breeds, often bullying them or even consuming their eggs. If you’re planning to keep multiple breeds together, this aspect should be carefully considered. In terms of specifics, Australorps are known for their high annual egg production (approximately 250), robust temperament, and moderate weight (female: 5-7 lbs).
They begin laying eggs at around 22-24 weeks old, making them a viable choice for those looking to start a small-scale backyard flock.
Speckled Sussex
Sussex chickens are a breed that may surprise you with their impressive characteristics. Not only do they lay an astonishing 250-300 eggs per year, but the females can weigh in at almost 8lbs on average – a significant size considering their docile and curious nature. In contrast to their physical stature, Sussex chickens don’t require extensive spaces, making them a great addition to any backyard flock.
However, when introducing them to other breeds, it’s essential to be mindful of potential bullying issues. Their temperaments are generally calm, but they may become the target of bullies due to their smaller size compared to some other breeds.
Other Things to Consider
When selecting from the popular egg-laying breeds listed here, it’s crucial to consider your individual circumstances. Think about the space available, the level of care you’re willing to provide – whether that’s a little or a lot – and the temperament of each breed. Moreover, don’t overlook the end goal: what do you plan to do with those fresh eggs? Will they be used for daily consumption, baking, or perhaps as a gift?
Needed Space
When it comes to housing your backyard flock, you have a range of options. In most suburban or rural settings, a chicken coop can be built where the birds can live comfortably. A small outdoor area for exercise and feeding is also essential. Proper insulation allows for year-round use of the coop. Pens are another great way to keep your chickens outdoors while providing ample space to roam.
You can opt for a permanent structure with an indoor shelter or a movable pen that enables foraging in different areas. Movable pens offer the added benefit of fresh greens. While a city backyard might be too small, suburban yards or small farms provide suitable spaces. Free-range options involve larger penned-in areas, often exceeding an acre, or allowing chickens to roam freely around your property. This arrangement is ideal for larger farms with multiple acres.
Many believe that free-range birds produce the best-tasting eggs and healthiest birds, as long as they have a shelter for nighttime. With proper care, free-ranging chickens can thrive. For further reading on raising backyard chickens, consider these articles: Beginner’s Guide to Raising Chickens, Collection of 34 Chicken Coop Plans, How to Feed Your Chickens Cheaply, Hatching Chicken Eggs, and Chicken Breeds That Lay Blue, Green, Pink, White, and Other Egg Colors.
Other Characteristics
When it comes to raising chickens, some people might assume that the primary goal is simply to collect eggs. And while that’s a perfectly reasonable objective, there are many more qualities that make certain breeds stand out. For instance, some birds excel at brooding, which helps maintain the overall health and population of your flock. Others are skilled foragers, ideal for free-range environments. Then there are those that are prolific egg layers, ensuring a steady supply.
And finally, there’s the consideration of larger birds that can provide a meat option when the time comes. While this article focuses on breeds prioritizing egg-laying, other characteristics like these also warrant attention.
