Chickens That Lay White Eggs: 5 Great Choices

If you’re looking for chickens that lay white eggs, you must pick the right breed. And lucky you, the most productive hen of all is a white egg layer. Egg color is determined by genetics, so if that’s important to you, choosing the right chicken breed is the only thing that matters. So let’s find you a good one.

Popular Chicken Breeds That Lay White Eggs

Let’s get to it.

• White Leghorn. This is the most productive breed around, and almost every white egg you see in a grocery store carton was laid by one. They have a bad reputation for being flighty.
• Polish
• Ancona
• Minorca
• California White. Almost like a White Leghorn but less crazy.

My recommendation? California White if you can find it with the other breeds you want, and White Leghorn if you can’t

Why White Eggs?

When it comes to nutrition, the color of the eggshell doesn’t make a difference. Both white and brown eggs offer similar amounts of protein, vitamins, and minerals.

Lots of people go crazy for brown, green, and blue eggs, but white eggs are common in the grocery store. But we still incorporate white layers into every flock because the other colors look so pretty mixed with white. So yes, you can go crazy for white eggs too.

Color Doesn’t Really Matter

The color of an eggshell is determined by the breed of the chicken and has nothing to do with the quality, flavor, nutritional value, or cooking characteristics of the egg. Essentially, the eggshell serves as a protective layer for the yolk and the egg white (also known as the albumen).

Having said all this, white eggs are pretty, especially when mixed with other colors! There’s no shame in wanting them just for that. 😊

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White Leghorns: The Classic Choice

When it comes to chickens that lay white eggs, the Leghorn is often the first breed that comes to mind.

They are small, active, and hardy birds.

Origin

Leghorns come from Italy and were bred for egg production. They arrived in America in the early 1800s and quickly became popular on farms of all sizes.

Egg Production

• Lay 250-280 white eggs yearly
• Medium to large eggs with strong shells
• Consistent producers

Personality & Care

• Active and curious birds
• Good foragers that do well with free-ranging
• Low-maintenance compared to other breeds
• Basic needs: quality feed, clean water, secure coop

Ancona Chickens

The Basics

Anconas come from Italy (just like Leghorns) and are known for being tough, adaptable birds. They have beautiful black and white speckled feathers that stand out in any flock.

Egg Production

• Lay 200-250 white eggs yearly
• Excellent foragers – will find their own food!
• Handle different weather conditions well

Background

Named after Ancona, Italy, these chickens have been popular across Europe for hundreds of years. They made their way to America in the late 1800s and have been valued for both commercial and backyard flocks ever since.

Minorca Chickens: The Big Egg Producers

If you’re after bigger eggs, Minorcas are the way to go. This breed is known for producing some of the largest white eggs among chicken breeds.

They are active foragers and do well in both confined and free-range settings. A Minorca hen typically lays around 200 to 275 large white eggs annually, making them valuable to any flock.

Minorca Chickens

The Basics

Minorcas are known for laying some of the largest white eggs of any chicken breed. They’re active foragers that do well whether confined or free-ranging.

Egg Production

• Lay 200-275 large white eggs yearly
• If egg size matters to you, these are your birds!

Origin

These chickens come from the Spanish island of Minorca in the Mediterranean. They were bred specifically for their large eggs and introduced to America in the late 1800s.

Care Tips

• Active birds that love foraging outdoors
• Adapt to both confined and free-range settings
• Prefer warmer climates
• Need protein-rich feed for best egg production

Minorcas are a simple choice when you want impressive white eggs without complicated care.

Polish Chickens

The Basics

Polish chickens are true showstoppers with their fancy feathered crests. But they’re not just pretty faces – they’re decent egg layers too.

Appearance

• Known for dramatic feathered “crowns” on their heads
• These feathers can actually block their vision!
• Come in various color patterns (laced, frizzled, etc.)
• Add unique style to any backyard flock

Egg Production

• Lay 150-200 medium white eggs yearly
• Not record-breakers, but steady producers
• Good balance of looks and function

Polish chickens are perfect if you want a flock with personality and style that still contributes to your egg basket. They’re the fashionistas of the chicken world who still know how to work!

Raising Your Chickens for Optimal Egg Production

Diet Tips for Chickens

The diet of your chickens plays a vital role in their egg-laying capabilities. For optimal white egg production, provide a balanced diet rich in protein, calcium, and essential nutrients.

Layer feed specifically formulated for laying hens can be an excellent choice. Supplementing with fresh fruits and vegetables can also contribute to overall health and egg production.

Nesting Spaces

A comfortable and private nesting space encourages your chickens to lay eggs. Ensure that the nest boxes are spacious and filled with soft bedding like straw or wood shavings. Keep the nesting area clean to avoid any potential contamination of the eggs. One nest box for every 4 to 5 hens is generally a good ratio.

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Do white eggs taste different from brown eggs?

No, the color of the eggshell does not affect the taste of the egg. Not at all. The flavor of an egg is more influenced by the chicken’s diet and overall health than the color of its shell.

How do I encourage my chickens to lay more?

First, it’s important to know that many chickens will not lay when the days shorten in fall and winter, and there’s nothing to be done about that other than supplementing with artificial light.

Make sure they have access to fresh water at all times.

Also, keep their living conditions optimal by ensuring a clean, dry, well-ventilated coop and adequate nesting spaces. Stress can reduce egg-laying, so try to minimize disruptions in their environment.

What’s the egg-laying frequency of these chicken breeds?

• Leghorns: Often lay over 250 white eggs per year.
• Anconas: Generally produce between 200 to 250 white eggs per year.
• Minorcas: Typically lay around 200 to 275 large white eggs annually.
• Polish Chickens: Contribute around 150 to 200 medium-sized white eggs a year.

Additional Resources

Chicken keeping and choosing chicken breeds is a lifelong journey with lots to learn.

Are you looking for other egg colors?

• Chickens That Lay Chocolate Eggs
• What Chickens Lay Blue Eggs?
• Chickens That Lay Brown Eggs
• Green Egg Layers
• Chickens That Lay Cream Colored Eggs
• Chickens That Lay Dark Brown Eggs

Books and Online Courses for Raising Chickens

There are numerous resources available to guide you on your chicken-raising journey. Books like “Storey’s Guide to Raising Chickens” and online courses on platforms like Udemy offer comprehensive insights into poultry care, from setting up your coop to optimizing egg production.

Where to Buy Chickens That Lay White Eggs

You can purchase chickens from reputable breeders, agricultural fairs, or specialized poultry farms. Some online platforms also offer the option to buy chicks or mature chickens, complete with vaccination and health records.