If you’ve decided to raise backyard chickens, you probably want to set up the most successful operation you can. What does this entail? Well, the first step would be to choose the right chickens. If you want to fully optimize your little backyard farm, you’ll need the best egg-laying chickens. So, what are the best egg-laying chickens? We’ll discuss that question in this blog as well as answer other big questions you may have about starting your backyard chicken farm journey!
Pressed for time? Watch the video above for a quick summary of all the key points covered in this blog.
Without further ado, meet the top egg-layers!
Top 15 Best Egg-Laying Chickens
Click the chicken breed you’re interested in for more information!
| Chicken Breed | Eggs Laid Per Year | Egg Color | Egg Size |
| 1. Leghorn | 280-320 | White | Large-Jumbo |
| 2. Rhode Island Red | 250-300 | Light Brown | Medium-Large |
| 3. Plymouth Rock | 200-250 | Brown | Large |
| 4. Australorp | 250-300 | Light Brown | Medium-Large |
| 5. Buff Orpington | 180-200 | Light Brown | Medium-Large |
| 6. Golden Comet | 280-300 | Brown | Large |
| 7. Dominique | 200-230 | Brown | Large |
| 8. Austra White | 250-300 | White | Large |
| 9. ISA Brown | 280-300 | Brown | Large-Jumbo |
| 10. New Hampshire Red | 200-220 | Brown | Medium-Large |
| 11. Lohmann Brown | 300 | Light Brown | Medium-Large |
| 12. Ameraucana | 150-200 | Blue | Medium-Large |
| 13. Sussex | 180-200 | Light Brown | Large |
| 14. Minorcas | 120-140 | White | Jumbo |
| 15. Ancona | 180-200 | White | Large |
1. Leghorn
If you’ve ever been to any grocery store, there’s a good chance that you’ve seen Leghorn eggs. With their red combs, wattles, and white feathers, Leghorns are probably the most recognizable chicken breed around. These beauties aren’t only known for their looks, as they are a favorite of the poultry industry. The Leghorn will lay anywhere from 280-320 white, jumbo eggs per year. That equates to about 6 eggs per week! Leghorns begin laying eggs as early as 16-18 weeks. They are absolute machines when it comes to egg production and, for that reason, are the best egg-laying chickens.
2. Rhode Island Red
The Rhode Island Red is one of the best egg-laying chickens to have in your backyard flock. Why? This breed produces 200-300 eggs per year. That amounts to about 5-6 eggs per week. The Rhode Island Red breed usually produces light brown eggs that are medium to large. They can start laying eggs as early as 18-20 weeks! This chicken breed is also a dual-purpose breed. The Rhode Island Red is also one of the best beginner chickens for the aspiring chicken farmer. This is because they are hardy for all types of weather and produce so many eggs. Friendly, efficient, and valuable, you can’t go wrong with the Rhode Island Red in your flock!
3. Plymouth Rock
What makes the Plymouth Rock one of the best egg-laying chickens? The Plymouth Rock, also called Barred Rock, is simply one of the most productive chickens with long longevity. This breed can lay around 200 eggs per year. Plymouth Rocks can lay eggs for 10 years and begin laying when they at around 16-22 weeks. Most breeds will only be productive for 5-8 years, whereas the Plymouth Rock can be relied on for a decade. Plymouth Rocks are good sitters, resistant to cold, and easy to manage. They produce large brown eggs that will make a great addition to your daily breakfast!
4. Australorp
Australorps are docile, which makes them great for beginners and those with family members. They average around 250 eggs per year and begin laying at 22-24 weeks. Their eggs are light brown and medium to large, and are known for being cold-hardy. Australorps are very gentle and great to start with for this reason. Australorps are considered fairly exotic with their shiny black feathers. Check out this blog for more exotic chicken breeds that would add character to your flock.
5. Buff Orpington
The Buff Orpington is the definition of a lap chicken. Amongst the most docile of the Orpington breed, these chickens are perfect for children and families. Aside from their friendly personality, they are also equipped with an egg-laying capacity of 180-200 eggs per year! Their eggs are light brown and medium to large in size, and they begin laying at 16-22 weeks. You won’t have to worry about the cold with these chickens as they are extremely weather-resistant because of their buff feathers. Because of the large stature of these chickens, they can also be used for their meat! If you also have breeding aspirations for the future, Buff Orpington hens also tend to be on the broodier side, which means they’ll want to hatch eggs. They make excellent mothers!
6. Golden Comet
Golden Comet is a hybrid breed that has become one of the United States’ favorite egg producers. Known for its outstanding performance, this breed lays a remarkable 280 to 300 large, brown eggs each year and starts laying at around 16 to 24 weeks of age. An interesting trait of Golden Comet is that the sex of the chicks can be determined at hatching through physical characteristics, a feature that adds to its appeal. In addition, these chickens are highly adaptable and thrive in both hot and cold weather, making them a versatile and reliable choice for any flock.
7. Dominique
Dominique chickens are a historic breed, known as the oldest American chicken breed, and easily recognized by their black-and-white barred plumage and distinctive rose comb. These hens lay large, brown eggs, typically starting around 21 to 24 weeks of age. You can expect about 200 to 230 eggs per year, making them a steady and reliable addition to any backyard flock. Their calm temperament and cold-hardy nature also make them a great fit for both beginner and experienced chicken keepers.
8. Austra White
If you’re dreaming of a flock that delivers early and often, the Austra White is a powerhouse worth considering! This hybrid beauty is a cross between the dependable Australorp and the high-producing Leghorn, combining the best of both worlds. Austra Whites start laying incredibly early as young as 12 weeks and keep going strong with an impressive 250 to 300 large, white eggs per year. Their friendly personality and reliable egg production make them a fantastic choice for new flock owners who want excitement, efficiency, and plenty of fresh eggs from the start.
9. ISA Browns
If you’re after a dependable, high-performance layer, the ISA Brown is a backyard champion! This friendly crossbreed chicken is known for its amazing egg production, laying a whopping 280 to 300 large to extra-large, brown eggs per year. They typically begin laying at around 22 weeks, quickly becoming a favorite for families and first-time chicken owners alike. ISA Browns are easygoing, low-maintenance, and incredibly consistent, making them one of the most exciting and rewarding breeds to add to any flock focused on egg production.
10. New Hampshire Red
The New Hampshire Red is a classic American favorite, especially for anyone looking to build a flock that’s both productive and family-friendly. These hens lay medium to large, brown eggs, with a steady output of around 200 to 220 eggs per year. They typically begin laying between 21 to 30 weeks, and while they may take a bit longer to get started, they more than make up for it with their dependable nature. Known for being excellent mothers and good sitters, New Hampshire Reds bring a wholesome, old-fashioned charm to any flock while keeping your egg basket full.
11. Lohmann Brown
The Lohmann Brown is a true egg-laying superstar and a favorite among backyard chicken keepers for good reason. This friendly, efficient crossbred chicken kicks off egg production around 19 to 22 weeks and delivers an incredible 300 light brown eggs per year. The eggs range from medium to large, making them perfect for everyday use in the kitchen. Lohmann Browns are known for their calm temperament, consistent output, and adaptability, making them an exciting and rewarding addition to any beginner’s flock.
12. Ameraucana
Looking to add a pop of color to your egg basket? The Ameraucana is a must-have! Famous for laying gorgeous blue eggs, this breed brings both beauty and charm to your flock. Derived from Araucana chickens, Ameraucanas sport a unique look with fluffy muffs, a beard, and a compact pea comb that helps them handle cold weather with ease. They start laying between 21 to 30 weeks and produce around 150 to 200 medium to large eggs per year. If you want a flock that’s as eye-catching as it is productive, the Ameraucana is an exciting way to stand out.
13. Sussex
The Sussex chicken is a versatile star that shines both in the egg basket and on the show stage! These hardworking birds lay large, light brown eggs, producing about 180 to 200 eggs per year. They get started early, beginning to lay between 16 and 20 weeks, so you won’t have to wait long to enjoy their steady supply. Sussex chickens are prized not only for their egg-laying skills but also for their friendly nature and striking appearance, making them perfect for anyone wanting a multi-talented bird that’s as fun to watch as it is productive.
14. Minorca
The Minorca is a striking farm bird known for its impressive size and elegant looks, making it a standout in any flock. These hens lay the most consistent jumbo, white eggs out of any chicken breed, delivering around 120 to 140 eggs per year. Although they start laying a bit later, beginning at about 26 weeks, their beautiful glossy black feathers and active personality make the wait worthwhile. Perfect for farmers and backyard enthusiasts who want a touch of style along with solid egg production, Minorcas bring both charm and dependable white eggs to your collection.
15. Ancona
The Ancona is a lively and eye-catching breed that brightens up any flock with its striking mottled black and white feathers. Known for laying large, white eggs, Ancona hens produce around 180 to 200 eggs per year and typically start laying between 21 and 23 weeks. One great perk is their low tendency to go broody, which means they focus more on consistent egg production. If you want a vibrant, hardworking hen that keeps the eggs coming while adding personality to your flock, the Ancona is a fantastic choice.
Ready To Start Your Flock Of Best Egg-Laying Chickens?
The best thing that you can do for your chickens is to give them a safe and relaxing environment. You can read more about this in our blog about how to get your chickens to lay eggs. This gives them the space they need and gives them room to grow and thrive. Here at The Hen House Collection, we’re committed to helping experienced chicken farm veterans and new aspiring chicken farmers. We’ve been building handmade, Amish-crafted chicken coops like our Combination Chicken Coops and A-Frame Chicken Coops for over a decade. This means our products come with a degree of professionalism and expertise. Contact us today to get started on your backyard flock or find a dealer near you!
