One of the main reasons people want to keep chickens is because of the delicious fresh egg supply they give in return.
Naturally, the obvious question is then going to be “well which breed of chicken lays the most eggs?”
There are many breeds of chicken to choose from which can be overwhelming when trying to narrow down a suitable choice.
But don’t despair! We have done the research for you and put together a list of the 10 best egg laying chickens to ensure you have an abundant and delicious supply all year round!
What this article covers
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10. Ameraucana
The Ameraucana chicken is a unique and rare breed growing in popularity in the USA. It is alternatively known as the Easter Egger chicken breed.
They have beautiful fluffy face feathers and gentle personalities.
Ameraucanas lay unique colored light blue eggs.
You will get around 200 light blue eggs from an Ameraucana chicken per year. Buy an Ameraucana here.
9. Golden Laced Wyandottes
The Golden Laced Wyandottes are stunning birds with a golden coloring that glistens in the sunlight.
They are docile birds but do not enjoy handling to the point of being a ‘lap chicken’.
They have strong personalities and do not tolerate being bullied but are also not prone to bullying other breeds.
They are good layers and will produce approximately 200 creamy brown eggs per year. Buy a Golden Laced Wyandotte here.
8. New Hampshire
New Hampshire chickens were bred from Rhode Island Reds in the aim of being an improved version that grows and matures faster.
They are hardy and intelligent birds and do well in cold weather.
This breed will give you around 200 lovely brown eggs per year. Buy a New Hampshire chicken here.
7. Orpington
The Orpington was developed in England and is quick to mature, friendly and easy to raise.
They also have a reputation for being lazy (they prefer a slower and steadier pace) and are popular show birds due to their attractive features.
The Orpington hen is a decent layer and produces over 200 light brown eggs a year. Buy an Orpington chicken here.
6. Plymouth Rock
Plymouth Rock is an American breed of chicken.
Originally the breed was considered a mongrel, as its genetic code is made up of a wide variety of breeds.
These chickens lay throughout winter time and have gained popularity as reliable laying hens.
These chickens lay a very decent quantity of eggs and will give around 200-250 light brown eggs per year. Buy a Plymouth Rock chicken here.
5. Black Australorp
The Black Australorp is a favorite all rounder. There is much to love about this hardy and productive breed of chicken.
The Australorp breed holds the world record for egg production of 364 eggs in 365 days!
Generally they will lay around 250 brown eggs per year. Buy Black Australorps here.
4. Sussex
The Sussex breed are confident, curious and friendly laying hens.
One of the most popular and oldest of the Sussex varieties is the speckled Sussex developed in England 100’s of years ago.
They have a docile nature and love companionship.
They are incredible egg layers that can lay approximately 250-300 creamy brown eggs per year. Buy a Sussex chicken here.
3. Leghorn
Leghorns are a busy, intelligent and active bird that likes to forage. They are good flyers and will roost in trees if allowed.
For many hundreds of years the Leghorn was renowned for being one of the best laying hens available.
They generally produce between 280-320 white eggs per year. Buy a Leghorn chicken breed here.
2. Rhode Island Reds
Rhode Island Reds are one of the best breeds out there due to their personality, resilience and egg laying capabilities.
Reds from the production strain will generally give you 5-6 eggs per week, equating to approximately 250-300 eggs per year.
Heritage strains will lay less eggs – but still a very decent amount. Expect about 3-4 eggs per week equating to approximately 150-250 brown eggs per year. Buy a Rhode Island Red here.
1. Isa Brown
Isa browns are a lovely chicken breed. They have a beautiful nature and are affectionate chickens.
Their egg production is really in a league of their own!
You can expect a whopping 300-350 brown eggs per year from these girls.
Something to keep in mind when selecting a breed for best egg laying chickens….
No matter what breed of laying hen you decide to get, the quantity and quality of eggs are also dependent on your chickens leading healthy and happy lives and having the best nutrition available. Take care of your chickens and they will take care of you with an abundance of eggs!
Check out Cackle Hatchery for a huge range of chicken breeds at great prices. They even deliver to your door!
Chicken Care Shopping List
We have put together a shopping list below to assist your chickens in maintaining an optimal condition and in return providing you with an abundance of fresh eggs.
- Chicken coop
- Wood shavings bale
- Feeder
- Waterer
- Nesting Box
- Perch
- Layer pellets
- Chicken scratch/grain
- Shell grit
- Chicken Safe Disinfectant
- Coop cleaner
- Chicken dust
- Wormer
- Multivitamin
- Calcium supplement
- Insecticide
- Mealworms
Chicken Care Shopping List
Are you looking for a shopping list of everything you need when caring for your precious flock? We have put together an easy reference of items for your convenience.
