Which Chickens Lay The Most Eggs? The 9 Most Productive Breeds
If you’re wondering which chickens lay the most eggs, you’re not alone. Many people looking to raise backyard chickens want to know the same thing. After all, who wouldn’t want a steady supply of fresh eggs right at home?
We’ll dive into the best chicken breeds known for their impressive egg-laying abilities. Whether you’re a beginner or have some experience, this list will help you make an informed choice.
Let’s get started on finding the perfect feathered friend for your backyard.
1. White Leghorn
- Eggs per year: About 280 to 320
- Egg color: White
These are small, active birds. They’re not the friendliest, but they lay a lot of eggs.
If you’re mainly interested in getting a lot of eggs, White Leghorns should be at the top of your list. These small birds may not win any awards for being friendly, but they are champions for laying eggs. You can expect around 280 to 320 white eggs per year from a single bird.
The eggs are white and are often considered medium to large in size.
White Leghorns are also pretty tough birds. They adapt well to different climates, but have a reputation for being flighty and bad-natured.
If a high egg yield is your main goal, White Leghorns are hard to beat. Just don’t expect them to be as friendly or cuddly as other breeds.
2. Rhode Island Red
- Eggs per year: 200 to 280
- Egg color: Brown
If you’re new to raising chickens and want a breed that’s easy to care for, you should consider Rhode Island Reds.
These hardy birds can handle different types of weather, from hot summers to cold winters. So, you won’t have to worry too much about them when the seasons change.
These chickens are known for laying a decent number of eggs, about 200 to 300 brown eggs each year.
Rhode Island Reds are also good foragers. This means they like to search for their own food, like bugs and plants, when they’re out in the yard.
However, like White Leghorns, they are not friendly and will often bully other hens. They’re productive but don’t make good pets.
3. ISA Brown
- Eggs per year: 300 to 350
- Egg color: Brown
If you’re mostly interested in getting a lot of eggs, ISA Browns should be on your radar. These chickens are some of the best egg-layers you can find, giving you between 300 and 350 brown eggs per year from each bird. That’s almost an egg a day, right behind
These chickens are usually very calm and easy to handle. They don’t make a lot of fuss and tend to get along well with people and other animals. This makes them a good pick if you’re new to raising chickens or if you have a family with kids.
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So, if you want a chicken that’s easy to care for and lays a lot of brown eggs, ISA Brown is a strong choice.
4. Barred rock (a.k.a Plymouth Rock)
- Eggs per year: 200 to 280
- Egg color: Brown
These birds are medium to large in size, and they’re known for being friendly. So, if you have kids or like spending time with your chickens, these birds are a good fit.
When it comes to laying eggs, Plymouth Rocks are quite reliable. You can expect to get between 200 and 280 brown eggs each year from one chicken. The eggs are usually large and the typical size of a grocery store egg.
In short, Plymouth Rocks are a great all-around choice if you’re looking for a friendly, versatile chicken that lays a good amount of brown eggs. They aren’t quite as productive as Rhode Island Reds, but make up for it with a better personality.
5. Golden Comet
- Eggs per year: 250 to 300
- Egg color: Brown
Golden Comets are worth a look if you’re eager to start getting eggs soon after getting your chickens. They start laying eggs earlier than many other types. You won’t have to wait too long to start collecting eggs.
Speaking of eggs, Golden Comets are pretty good egg layers. You can expect to get around 250 to 300 brown eggs per year from each bird.
Golden Comets are also quite friendly and easy to manage. They get along well with people and other animals, so they’re a good choice if you have a mixed flock or if you’re keeping chickens in a setting with kids or pets.
For egg-laying productivity, Golden Comets are a solid choice. They’re friendly, easy to care for, and reliable layers.
6. Cinnamon Queen
- Eggs per year: 270 to 300
- Egg color: Brown
If you’re after lots of brown eggs, you might want to think about getting some Cinnamon Queen chickens. These birds are good layers, giving you about 270 to 300 brown eggs each year.
The eggs are often large, which makes them good for cooking and baking.
Cinnamon Queens are known for being calm and friendly. They’re easy to handle, which makes them a good pick for families or anyone new to raising chickens. They also adapt well to different living situations, whether you have a small backyard or a bigger piece of land.
They’re friendly, sturdy, and reliable when it comes to laying eggs.
7. Australorp
- Eggs per year: 250 to 275
- Egg color: Brown
If you’re impressed by record-holders, you might like Australorps. One of these birds holds the record for the most eggs laid in a single year by one chicken.
You can expect to get about 250 to 275 brown eggs per year from each Australorp you have.
These chickens are calm and easygoing. This makes them good for families and even for people who live in places with less space, like cities. They’re not too noisy, and they usually get along well with other chickens.
Australorps are also tough birds. They can handle hot and cold weather, so you don’t have to worry too much about them when the seasons change.
8. Red star chickens
- Eggs per year: 260 to 300
- Egg color: Brown
If you’re looking for a steady supply of brown eggs, Red Star chickens might be just what you need.
These birds are strong egg-layers, giving you about 260 to 300 brown eggs each year from each chicken.
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Red Star chickens are usually pretty easygoing. They don’t make much trouble and are pretty simple to take care of. This makes them a good choice if you’re new to raising chickens or if you don’t have a lot of time to give them extra attention.
They’re reliable, laid-back, and healthy, making them a good all-around choice for your backyard.
9. Wyandotte
- Eggs per year: 200 to 240
- Egg color: Brown
While not as productive as the others on this list, Wyandottes are beautiful and still good layers. If you want a chicken that’s not just good at laying eggs but also easy on the eyes, take a look at Wyandottes.
These birds have pretty feather patterns that make them stand out. You can expect to get between 200 and 240 brown eggs each year from a Wyandotte.
These chickens are easy to take care of, and they do really well in colder climates. So, if you live somewhere that gets chilly, these birds can handle it without much trouble. They have a thick layer of feathers that helps keep them warm.
Wyandottes are usually calm and friendly, so they’re good if you have kids or if you want to spend time with your chickens.
In summary, Wyandottes are a good pick for a pretty, easy-going chicken that can handle the cold and still give you many brown eggs.
chickens that serve other purposes:
- Chickens That Lay Green Eggs
- Chickens That Lay Blue Eggs
- Chickens That Lay Brown Eggs
- Best Chickens for Meat
you don’t have to choose just one
Choosing the right chicken breed for your backyard can make all the difference in your egg supply. Whether you’re a seasoned chicken keeper or new to the game, there’s a breed on this list for you.
From the high-yield White Leghorns to the cold-hardy Wyandottes, each breed offers something special.
Some are champions in laying eggs, while others add a touch of beauty to your yard. Some are perfect for beginners, and others are fit for those who are looking for a chicken that’s easy to handle and interact with.
Remember, the best chicken for you will depend on your specific needs, climate, and how much space you have. But no matter what, each of these breeds can offer you a reliable source of fresh, home-laid eggs. Happy chicken raising!
By Katie Shaw
Katie lives in Virginia with her husband, three daughters, a chocolate lab, and over thirty chickens. She loves creating simple tutorials for sourdough, bread, and soap. Her recipes, articles, and YouTube videos reach millions of people per year.