Ah, chicken breeds. You’ve decided on raising chickens for eggs, but now you must select the right productive chicken breeds. Which chicken breeds lay the most eggs?
Raising chickens opens the door to a world of fresh eggs, delightful companionship, and the joy of sustainable living. There is nothing like walking to your backyard to grab some fresh eggs for breakfast or for baking fresh bread.
When I was first looking to raise chickens, I researched what chicken breeds to buy and found that there were several characteristics that I was looking for. My first preference is that I wanted very productive chicken breeds (I had a family to feed, after all!). Secondly, I wanted chicken breeds that were kid-friendly, because I wanted my children to help with the chickens and be able to enjoy them, too. I was also looking for dual-purpose chicken breeds, in case I ever needed a sustainable meat source here on my homestead. I wanted a variety of breeds so I could have a colorful flock. Lastly, I wanted to fill up my very large chicken coop that I was planning to build!
In this post, I’ll share 10 egg-laying chicken breeds, each carefully chosen for their productivity, unique characteristics, and suitability for your situation. From the vibrant red plumage of the Rhode Island Red to the gentle elegance of the Golden Comet, we’ll explore the diverse world of poultry that promises to enrich your homestead in countless ways.
Note: Before choosing one (or more) of these prolific egg-layers, make sure you have a place to store your eggs, because they rack up fast! Trust me, you don’t want eggs rolling around on your countertop with no place to go!
The Greatest 10 Egg-Laying Chicken Breeds: A Sneak Peek
- Rhode Island Red
- Delaware
- Sussex
- Australorp
- Leghorn
- Plymouth Rock
- Wyandotte
- Black Sex Link
- ISA Brown
- Golden Comet
As we explore each breed, we’ll uncover not only their egg-laying prowess but also delve into their suitability for meat production, their foraging habits, and the overall dynamics they bring to your homestead.
If you would like a free downloadable chart with side-by-side comparisons of these chicken breeds, grab it here!
1. Rhode Island Red
The Rhode Island Red, known for its average temperament, can sometimes display aggression, particularly among roosters. However, this breed makes up for it with its remarkable egg production. Hens consistently lay around 5-6 light brown eggs per week, starting as early as 16-20 weeks old. The eggs are medium to large in size. Unlike some other breeds, Rhode Island Reds have a low tendency to go broody, making them ideal for consistent egg production.
In terms of physical appearance, these chickens have a medium-sized, sturdy build adorned with hard, dark red feathers. Clocking in at 6.5 to 8.5 pounds, hens are slightly smaller than roosters, which range from 8.5 to 9.5 pounds. This breed was bred primarily for egg-laying, so they are not known to be dual-purpose birds.
Rhode Island Reds are renowned for their excellent foraging skills. They actively search for bugs, worms, and other insects, contributing to their overall resilience. Moreover, these chickens excel in cold climates, showcasing good resistance to chilly temperatures. While they can adapt to warmer climates, they may require shade during extreme heat. Keep in mind that Rhode Island Reds are vocal birds, emitting loud sounds, which is worth considering if you are living in an urban area.
2. Delaware
With a temperament described as active and curious, this chicken breed is friendly, but not typically a lap chicken. When it comes to egg production, these chickens lay approximately 4-5 large to extra large light brown eggs per week, starting at 20-22 weeks of age.
Since they are not known for their broodiness, they tend to lay more eggs than other breeds. The breed presents itself with beautiful, white feathers with minimal black barring. They are excellent foragers with medium size frames, with hens weighing around 6 pounds and roosters slightly larger at 8 pounds. Notably, these chickens were bred to be dual-purpose, featuring a desirable meat-to-bone ratio. Cold hardiness is excellent, making them well-suited for various climates, while they display excellent heat hardiness, as well, potentially requiring some attention during extreme heat. Additionally, their noise level is described as chatty, but not loud, contributing to happy neighbors—if you have any nearby.
3. Sussex
Sussex chickens are characterized by their calm and friendly temperament, making them an excellent choice for families and beginners alike. Their exceptional kid-friendliness stems from their overall calm and friendly demeanor. In terms of egg production, these chickens lay approximately 4-5 large-sized light brown eggs per week, starting at 20-24 weeks of age. With a medium-sized physique and various color variations, Sussex chickens present an attractive appearance in any flock. They are prone to broodiness, adding a nurturing aspect to their characteristics which makes them great mothers.
As excellent foragers, Sussex chickens actively search for food in the yard, contributing to their self-sufficiency. Their medium size ranges from 6-8 pounds for hens and 7-9 pounds for roosters. Notably, Sussex chickens are dual-purpose, offering good meat along with their egg-laying capabilities. They exhibit good cold hardiness, handling chilly weather reasonably well, and are generally equipped to cope with warmer temperatures, although some shade may be necessary during extreme heat. While these chickens are talkative, their noise level is not described as loud. I have had many conversations with my favorite hen, Sussy.
4. Australorp
Australorps are celebrated for their friendly and docile temperament, making them an ideal choice for beginners. Their excellent kid-friendliness is attributed to their inherently docile nature. These chickens boast a remarkable weekly egg production, laying around 5-6 large brown eggs per week, starting as early as 22-24 weeks of age. With a sizeable physique and sleek black feathers displaying greenish iridescence, Australorps present a distinctive and attractive appearance. While not overly prone to broodiness, occasional instances may occur.
Known for their good foraging ability, Australorps adapt well to free-range environments, showcasing self-sufficiency. Hens typically weigh around 6.5-8 pounds, while roosters are slightly larger, ranging from 8.5-10 pounds. As dual-purpose chickens, they provide both ample egg production and good meat. Their overall hardiness is noteworthy, handling both cold and warm weather with ease. Australorps are good in cold weather and can adapt to heat, though some shade may be necessary during extreme heat. Remarkably, their noise level is described as quiet, making them ideal for urban homesteaders.
5. Leghorn
Leghorns are characterized by their active and friendly personality, but can also be flighty. While they can possess a fair level of kid-friendliness, their tendency to be flighty and nervous may require extra care with younger handlers. Recognized as one of the most productive egg-laying breeds, Leghorns consistently lay an impressive 5-6 large white eggs per week, starting as early as 16-20 weeks of age.
In terms of physical appearance, Leghorns are small to medium-sized with hens weighing between 6 pounds and roosters being 7.5 pounds. They have sleek and slender predominantly white feathers, contributing to their distinct and elegant look. They are not particularly prone to broodiness; their focus on egg production is evident. Leghorns exhibit good foraging ability, actively hunting for insects to supplement their diet. While not ideal for dual-purpose use due to their primary focus on egg laying, they excel in this aspect.
Leghorns demonstrate excellent cold hardiness and heat hardiness is excellent. It’s worth noting that Leghorns have a loud noise level, which makes them less desirable for neighborhood backyards.
6. Plymouth Rock
Plymouth Rocks are renowned for their gentle, easygoing, and curious temperament, making them well-suited for a variety of settings. Their excellent kid-friendliness is attributed to their calm and friendly demeanor, making them ideal for families. These chickens boast a commendable weekly egg production, laying approximately 4-5 large brown eggs per week, with the laying commencing at 16-20 weeks of age.
Characterized by a variety of colors, Plymouth Rocks present a striking appearance in any flock. While often prone to broodiness, their nurturing instincts add to their overall appeal if you are desiring to hatch eggs. Recognized as excellent foragers, they actively search for insects and seeds, contributing to their self-sufficiency. Hens typically weigh around 7.5 pounds, while roosters are slightly larger, ranging from 9.5 pounds. Notably, Plymouth Rocks are dual-purpose, providing both substantial egg production and good meat.
Their overall hardiness is commendable, with good tolerance to cold weather. While they handle heat well, providing shade during extreme temperatures is advisable. Plymouth Rocks are talkative but not loud. If you are living in a more populated area, your neighbors may appreciate a quieter flock.
7. Wyandotte
Wyandottes are known for their calm and docile temperament, contributing to their very friendly nature, making them a delightful addition to any poultry setting. Their good kid-friendliness is underscored by their overall calm disposition, rendering them suitable for families. With a commendable weekly egg production of 4-5 large brown eggs, starting at 20-24 weeks of age, Wyandottes prove to be consistent layers.
While displaying an average tendency to go broody, Wyandottes are often recognized as good mothers, adding a nurturing aspect to their characteristics. Their physical appearance is diverse, with many different varieties, showcasing a wide array of attractive plumage. Excelling in foraging ability, these chickens actively search for food, contributing to their self-sufficiency. Hens typically weigh around 6.5 pounds, while roosters are slightly larger at 8.6 pounds. Notably, Wyandottes are dual-purpose, known for both meat production and egg-laying capabilities.
Their overall hardiness is impressive, with excellent tolerance to cold weather. While they handle heat well, providing protection during extreme heat is advisable. It’s worth noting that Wyandottes have a loud noise level, contributing to a very noisy flock.
8. Black Sex Link*
The Black Sex Link, characterized by its friendly, yet flighty, and active temperament, is known to be a stubborn but engaging chicken. Despite their occasional stubbornness, they prove to be friendly and can make for entertaining companions in a poultry setting. With an impressive weekly egg production of 5-6 large eggs, starting as early as 16-20 weeks of age, Black Sex Links are reliable layers. The eggs are notably large in size.
While these chickens rarely display broodiness, it’s important to note that breeding them with each other won’t result in more Black Sex Linked chicks, as they are hybrids. Their physical appearance is striking, featuring a black coloration with gold or brown feathering. Excelling in foraging ability, they enjoy the opportunity to roam and actively search for food, showcasing their self-sufficiency. Hens typically weigh around 6 pounds, while roosters are slightly larger at 8-9 pounds. Black Sex Links are recognized as dual-purpose, offering both substantial meat production and reliable egg-laying capabilities.
Impressively, their overall hardiness extends to both cold and heat, with excellent tolerance to cold weather. While they handle heat well, providing shade during extreme temperatures is advisable. Black Sex Links are known for their loud noise level, so they may not be a great idea for urban settings.
9. ISA Brown*
Another hybrid, ISA Browns are renowned for their friendly and docile temperament, making them a pleasure to handle and a versatile addition to various environments. Their excellent kid-friendliness is attributed to their gentle and approachable nature, ensuring a positive experience for families. These chickens are distinguished by their exceptional egg-laying abilities, with hens consistently producing an impressive 5-6 large brown eggs per week, starting as early as 16-22 weeks of age.
Notably, ISA Browns are not prone to broodiness, ensuring a continuous and reliable egg supply. With a medium-sized physique adorned with predominantly brown feathers, ISA Browns present a classic and uniform appearance. While not as avid foragers as some other breeds, they are efficient in searching for food in the yard, contributing to their self-sufficiency. Hens typically weigh around 5 pounds, and roosters 6 pounds. While primarily an egg layer, ISA Browns are not commonly raised for meat due to their focus on egg production.
Impressively, their overall hardiness extends to both cold and heat. They handle cold weather well and adapt excellently to warmer climates. ISA Browns maintain a quiet noise level, contributing to a calm and peaceful ambiance in the poultry setting.
10. Golden Comet*
Golden Comets are recognized for their friendly and docile temperament, making them a versatile and pleasant addition to various settings. Their excellent kid-friendliness is underlined by their docile nature, ensuring a positive experience for families. These chickens stand out as exceptionally high egg layers, consistently producing around 5-6 large brown eggs per week, starting as early as 16-20 weeks of age.
Not prone to broodiness, Golden Comets ensure a consistent egg supply. With a medium-sized physique adorned with golden or reddish-brown feathers, they present an attractive appearance. These chickens are good foragers, actively searching for insects and vegetation, contributing to their self-sufficiency. Hens typically weigh around 4-7 pounds, and roosters are usually between 6-8 pounds. While primarily bred for egg production, their size makes them suitable for small-scale meat production as well.
Their overall hardiness extends to both cold and heat, with a good tolerance to cold weather and an ability to adapt well to warmer climates. Golden Comets maintain a quiet noise level, creating a serene and peaceful environment in your flock.
* A note about the Black Sex Link, ISA Brown, and Golden Comet: These are not technically breeds, because they are hybrids of two or more breeds of chickens. These are combinations that are bred specifically to increase egg production. Keep in mind that you cannot breed two hybrid birds and get the same outcome as the parents.
Which Amazing Chicken Breeds Do You Need in Your Flock?
Understanding the diverse characteristics of each chicken breed, including size, hardiness, kid-friendliness, egg size, egg color, and meat suitability, enables you to make informed decisions based on your specific needs and preferences.
Remember, not every chicken is the same — there will always be outliers. However, I did my best to be as accurate as possible.
These 10 productive egg-laying chicken breeds not only offer excellent egg production but also come with unique traits that make them suitable for various environments and purposes. Whether you prioritize cold hardiness, a gentle temperament, or versatility in meat production, there’s a breed on this list that aligns with your preferences. I hope this comprehensive overview serves as a valuable resource for those venturing into the world of chicken keeping. If you’re ready to embark on the journey of raising your own flock, be sure to explore our other blog posts for additional guidance on selecting the right breed for your family.
If you are anything like me, I was not able to pick just one breed. Because of this, I created this Chicken Keeper’s Journal that helps to keep track of all of the chickens and the breeds in your flock. It has everything you need, from health records to financial sheets.
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Photo by Zachariah Smith on Unsplash
