Planning your flock? Are you looking for prolific egg layers? For many of us, the main reason for raising backyard chickens is the fresh supply of eggs.
The breed of chicken you get makes a huge impact on the amount of eggs you should expect to receive each day. Choosing the right breed is very important if you are wanting fresh eggs daily. I have compiled a list of some of the best egg laying breeds.
- White Leghorn
Production: 280/year
Egg Color/Size: White/Large
Temperment: Nervous, flighty
Climate: Heat tolerant, not good in cold climates
Weight: 5 lbs
Start Laying: 16-17 weeks
- Rhode Island Red
Production: 260
Egg Color/Size: Light brown/ Medium to Large
Temperment: Bossy - often need to be kept separate
Climate: All
Weight: 6.5 lbs
Start Laying: 18-24 lbs
- Golden Comet/Cinnamon Queen (Sex Link)
Production: 250-300/year
Egg Color/Size: Brown/Large
Temperment: Gentle, quiet
Climate: All
Weight: 5-7.5 lbs
Start Laying: 15 weeks
- Ameraucana/Easter Egger/Olive Egger
Production: 250/year
Egg Color/Size: Multicolored - pink, blue, green / Medium
Temperment: Broody
Climate: All
Weight: 4.5-5.5 lbs
Start Laying: 25-30 weeks
- Barred Rock
Production: 280/year
Egg Color/Size: Light brown, peachy/Medium
Temperment: Sweet, calm
Climate: All
Weight: 6.5 lbs
Start Laying: 18-22 weeks
- Wyandottes
Production: 150-220/year
Egg Color/Size: Brown/Medium
Temperment: Broody, Docile, Great Moms
Climate: All
Weight: 6 lbs
Start Laying: 24-28 weeks
- Orpington
Production: 150- 200/year
Egg Color/Size: Light Brown/Large
Temperment: Broody, Friendly, Docile, Easily Handled
Climate: All
Weight: 6-8 lbs
Start Laying: 19-24 weeks
- Sussex
Production: 250-300/year
Egg Color/Size: Cream, Light Brown/Medium
Temperment: Docile, Friendly, Often Bullied
Climate: All
Weight: 7-8 lbs
Start Laying: 16-20 weeks
