There is no one breed of chicken that is superior to the rest when it comes to choosing the best chickens for eggs, but I can certainly help you find the right hens for your flock! Are you wanting a certain egg color, hardiness, personality or a reliable producer?
Choosing the right chicken breeds for your backyard flock is a bit like matchmaking—it requires a good understanding of your preferences and lifestyle. Before impulsively bringing home a box of fluffy new friends, consider factors like space availability, climate, and local regulations.
Think about your primary goal—are you after prolific egg-layers, meat production, or a mix of both? Take into account the temperament of the breeds, especially if you have little ones running around. Some chickens are more laid-back, while others might be a little more shy or nervous. And remember, many of these breeds will be found in multiple categories! Expect a bunch of repeats *wink wink*
Lastly, assess your commitment level. Different breeds come with varying care requirements. Let's break it down!
If you've ever stood in the egg aisle, reading cartons like they hold the secrets to the universe, you're in good company. I've sifted through the feathers and fluff to bring you the lowdown on the best chickens for eggs.
Maybe you are a chicken expert (but I doubt it, otherwise you wouldn't need this guide) or just beginning research on your ideal backyard flock, let's chat about the backyard chickens that'll fill your egg basket with goodness. Spoiler alert: it involves a bunch of charming birds, a dash of personality, and a rainbow of fresh eggs.
In this post, we will talk about what are the best backyard chickens for eggs, how many eggs you can expect from a small flock, learn about dual purpose breeds of chickens (and which ones are best for eggs!), how to tell when your chicken will begin laying soon, which breeds lay certain colors of eggs, how to supplement your layers feed, and much more! Use the jump-to button below to skip ahead if you want!
Jump to:
- What are the most common backyard chickens for eggs?
- How many eggs can I expect from a backyard flock of 4-6 hens?
- What is a dual purpose breed?
- My favorite dual purpose chickens
- What are the best backyard chickens for eggs?
- What are signs that a chicken will begin laying eggs soon?
- How many eggs do 100 chickens lay in a year?
- How many eggs will 100 chickens lay a day
- FAQ just for fun
- When do chickens start laying eggs?
- How long do chickens lay eggs?
- How can I supplement my laying hens?
- What are hybrid breeds of chickens?
- Thanks for reading!
- Comments
What are the most common backyard chickens for eggs?
Let's start at the very beginning. There are many different breeds that are a good choice for a small farm or backyard flock. If you are trying to find the best backyard chickens for eggs, consider these breeds:
1. Rhode Island Reds: Hardy, dependable layers of brown eggs, and they're known for their friendly disposition. BUT I'm not just in love with their personality. The Rhode Island Red chickens we've had have always been very skittish and unfriendly. 10/10 for egg production, 5/10 for personality in my opinion.
2. Sussex Chickens: Beautiful and gentle, Sussex chickens lay brown eggs and are great for families.
3. Buff Orpingtons: These are my all-time favorite chickens! They are beautiful, friendly and hardy in hot or cold weather. Gentle giants with a calm temperament, they're good layers of brown eggs. I think these are an ideal choice for laying chickens!
4. Australorps: Excellent egg producers and known for their friendly and docile nature. Depending on your location, it might be hard to find these without shopping online.
5. Plymouth Rock: Dual-purpose chickens that are both good layers and have a friendly demeanor. They are also well equipped to handle the winter months in cold climates.
6. Ameracuana: Have you ever opened a box of assorted chocolates and had no idea what each little candy was hiding? These hens are the exact same. The chicks vary in color, and the adults do, too! The eggs are generally tall and narrow, and come in pastel blues or greens. Their personalities range from sweet and docile to downright grumpy or even mean. Currently +50% of my flock are Ameracaunas. The only chickens that have ever pecked or scratched our kids have been Ameracuanas, so they aren't my first choice for families with young children.
7. Maran: These are such fun hens to have! They have dark black feathers that almost look shimmery green in the sunlight. Their eggs are deep shades pinkish-chocolate colors. Maran eggs from my coop pictured below.
How many eggs can I expect from a backyard flock of 4-6 hens?
On average, a healthy and well-cared-for backyard chicken can lay around 200 to 300 eggs per year. That's a lot of food coming out of your chicken coop! However, this can vary depending on factors such as the chicken's breed, age, diet, and overall health. A young chicken will lay reliably, but will begin laying fewer eggs as she ages. The number of eggs will vary. Here's a rough breakdown for some common backyard chicken breeds:
- Rhode Island Reds: Around 200-300 eggs per year.
- Sussex Chickens: Similar to Rhode Island Reds, averaging 200-250 eggs annually.
- Buff Orpingtons: Slightly fewer, ranging from 180-220 eggs per year.
- Australorps: Excellent layers, with some individuals producing over 300 eggs annually.
What is a dual purpose breed?
Dual-breed chickens, also known as dual-purpose breeds, are the all-in-one package for homesteaders seeking a balance between egg production and meat quality. These versatile birds are carefully bred to excel in both laying a good quantity of eggs and providing substantial meat.
They strike a harmonious balance, ensuring that your flock isn't just an egg-laying machine but also contributes to the dinner table. Popular dual-purpose breed examples include Rhode Island Reds, Plymouth Rocks, and Sussex chickens.
Dual-breed chickens typically possess hardiness, adaptability to various climates, and a friendly temperament, making them suitable for both brand new and experienced chicken keepers.
My favorite dual purpose chickens
Here are some of the best chicken breeds that just so happen to be dual purpose birds! While I consider them to be excellent layers, as long as we keep a rooster, I have the option of hatching dual purpose chicks for meat if we ever feel the need.
- Buff Orpington chickens are the golden girls of the homestead, and not just because of their warm, buttery plumage. These gentle giants are full of easygoing charm, making them ideal for families and beginners. They're solid layers of brown eggs, ensuring a steady supply for your breakfast table.
- Marans chickens, with their rustic charm and sweet personality, bring a touch of French elegance to your homestead. These birds are renowned for their rich, dark chocolate-brown eggs, adding a gourmet flair to your egg basket. Marans are robust and adaptable, thriving in various climates, and their feathered legs give them a distinct appearance. We keep a Maran rooster and hatch out cross breed chicks that grow up to lay moss, gold, rust or other unique eggs.
- Ameraucana chickens are the cool kids of the coop, known for their vibrant personalities and eye-catching blue eggs. These feathered wonders bring a splash of color to your homestead, laying eggs in shades that'll make your morning egg hunt an adventure.
- Plymouth Rock chickens are like the Swiss Army knife of homestead flocks. These all-American birds bring a mix of pros to the table. First off, they're solid egg layers, consistently delivering brown eggs to your basket. Their friendly nature makes them great for families, especially if you've got little ones running around.
What are the best backyard chickens for eggs?
Sussex Chickens: Known for their gentle temperament, Sussex chickens are great for families. They're reliable layers of brown eggs, ensuring a steady supply for your breakfast table. If you're after a balance of beauty and productivity, Sussex chickens are a solid choice.
Barred Rocks: If you're looking for a resilient, productive, and visually striking addition to your flock, Barred Rocks have you covered.
Rhode Island Reds: Rhode Island Reds are the workhorses of the homestead, known for their no-nonsense attitude and consistent egg production. These birds are hardy, reliable layers of large brown eggs.
Silkies: These small, gentle birds are known for their friendly nature, making them a favorite among families and children. While they may not be the most prolific egg layers, their unique appearance and sweet temperament next level. My oldest son has his own flock of Maran-Silkie mix hens and we absolutely adore them all.
Easter Eggers:Easter Eggers bring a splash of color to your homestead, laying eggs in a rainbow of hues. These charming birds are a crossbreed, so their appearances can vary, adding an element of surprise to your flock. We also had one hatch a clutch of chicks last summer, and now I believe easter eggers make excellent mothers! But if you are a mother, they might be aggressive around your kiddos, so watch for mean behavior.
Golden comet: The Golden Comet chicken is renowned for its exceptional egg-laying capabilities, consistently producing a high quantity of brown eggs, making it a preferred choice for those prioritizing egg production in their backyard flocks. Noteworthy for its early maturation, Golden Comets often commence laying eggs as early as 16 to 18 weeks.
What are signs that a chicken will begin laying eggs soon?
Recognizing signs that a pullet (young female chicken) is about to start laying eggs can help you anticipate the onset of egg production. Here are some common signs I keep an eye out for in my flock:
- The comb and wattles of a pullet may start to develop and become larger, redder, and more pronounced as she approaches laying age.
- When you approach a pullet, she may exhibit a squatting behavior. This is a submissive posture that hens adopt when they are ready to mate and can indicate that egg-laying is imminent.
- Pullet hens may start making different sounds, sometimes more vocal and distinctive than their earlier chirps. I always think this chirp sounds a little panicked, even though nothing is wrong.
- The vent, the external opening for egg laying, may appear larger and more developed as the pullet prepares for laying. Truthfully, I have never noticed this, but I'm including it because the 'experts' say it.
- Pullet hens may exhibit nesting behavior, even if they haven't started laying yet. They may show an interest in nest boxes, scratching at bedding materials, and creating nests. They usually begin hanging out in the nesting box and might get agitated if you come too close while they are in it.
How many eggs do 100 chickens lay in a year?
On average, a healthy and well-managed laying hen can produce around 250 to 300 eggs per year. Assuming an average egg production rate of 275 eggs per year per chicken, for 100 chickens, you might expect around 27,500 eggs annually. Dividing this by 365 days gives an estimated average of approximately 75 eggs per day from the entire flock.
How many eggs will 100 chickens lay a day
A flock of 100 chickens will lay approximately 75-85 eggs each day.
FAQ just for fun
While truly black eggs are rare, the Marans breed is known for laying eggs with an exceptionally dark chocolate-brown color. Some Marans eggs can appear nearly black, especially if the breed has been selectively bred for darker pigmentation, but expect mostly darker reds and browns.
Ameraucanas or Araucanas: Blue or green in pastel shades. Easter Eggers may lay varied shades of blue, pink, or even green eggs. Super Blues (Hybrids) lay shades of blue and green. Our Super Blues were my two favorite chicks from our spring hatch due to their friendly and social personalities! They grew to be beautiful white hens with a little bit of gray markings and their eggs were blue and an extra large egg size. Cream Legbars also lay large pale blue eggs.
Ameraucanas or Araucanas lay blue or green in pastel shades. Olive Eggers lay olive green and shades of green-brown or even gray. The eggs may be speckled or have a matte finish 'bloom.' Easter Eggers can lay varied shades of blue, pink, or even green eggs.
Classic brown egg layers include Rhode Island Reds, Plymouth Rocks, and Orpingtons. There are many more, but these are the most common.
Yes, breeds such as Leghorns, Sussex, and Anconas are well-known for their ability to consistently produce white eggs.
Easter Eggers lay varied shades of blue, pink, or even green eggs. Most of mine lay a very pale green. This is a VERY tricky color to achieve!
Chickens begin laying eggs at around 5-6 months of age, depending on breed, climate and nutrition. See the section above titled What are signs that a chicken will begin laying eggs soon to learn more!
When do chickens start laying eggs?
Chickens typically start laying eggs at around 5 to 6 months of age, although this can vary depending on the breed. Some breeds may start laying a bit earlier, around 4 to 5 months, while others may take longer. It's also influenced by factors such as the environment, diet, and overall health of the chickens.
During the early stages of egg production, you might notice smaller-sized eggs, which will gradually increase in size as the hens mature. The first eggs are sometimes referred to as "pullet eggs."
To encourage optimal egg production, provide your chickens with a well-balanced diet, access to clean water, and a comfortable and stress-free environment. Additionally, certain breeds are known for their early or late onset of laying, so it's helpful to be aware of the specific characteristics of the breed you have.
How long do chickens lay eggs?
In general, most chickens start laying eggs around 5 to 6 months of age, and their peak egg production usually occurs during the first two to three years of laying.
After the peak laying period, egg production tends to gradually decline. Some backyard hens, especially heritage or dual-purpose breeds, may continue to lay eggs at a reduced rate for several years, even up to five or more years. However, the frequency of laying decreases, and the size of the eggs may also become smaller.
Commercial laying breeds, which are selectively bred for high egg production, often experience a more concentrated laying period and may slow down in production more quickly than some heritage breeds.
How can I supplement my laying hens?
Provide a source of calcium, such as oyster shell or crushed eggshell, to ensure strong eggshells. Grit aids in digestion and can be offered for the hens to consume as needed.
Opt for a commercially formulated layer feed that includes essential nutrients like increased calcium and protein. Protein supplements, like mealworms or soybean meal, can be added if the regular diet lacks sufficient protein. Consider vitamin and mineral supplements if deficiencies are suspected, with a focus on vitamin D.
Probiotics contribute to a healthy digestive system, and herbs, greens, and omega-3 supplements can offer additional nutritional benefits.
What are hybrid breeds of chickens?
Hybrid breeds of chickens are the result of crossbreeding two or more different chicken breeds to achieve specific characteristics or traits. These hybrids, often referred to as crossbreeds or crosses, are intentionally created to capitalize on the strengths of the parent breeds.
The aim is to enhance desirable traits such as egg-laying productivity, meat quality, disease resistance, egg shell colors or temperament. Hybrid chickens are commonly used in commercial poultry farming for their efficiency in terms of egg or meat production.
For example, in the context of egg-laying hybrids, breeds like the Golden Comet or ISA Browns are created by crossing specific laying breeds to maximize egg production. These hybrids typically exhibit high rates of egg production and may mature faster than purebred counterparts.
It's important to note that while hybrid chickens offer certain advantages, they do not breed true. This means that if you breed two hybrid chickens together, the offspring will not consistently display the same desirable traits as the parents. As a result, hybrid breeds are often purchased from hatcheries rather than being bred on the farm.
Thanks for reading!
If you want to read more about raising chickens for meat, also called meat birds or broilers, read my Guide to Raising Meat Chickens. I also have a free e-book Free Guide for Raising Chicks if you want to start at the beginning! To learn how to preserve farm fresh eggs, check out my tutorial for How to Preserve Eggs!
Please leave a comment and let me know what your favorite backyard chicken is or ask me any questions you have!
Have a cluckin' good day!
-Meg
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