Top 10 Best Chicken Breeds for Eggs

Saifullah Ashrafi
Read Time 4 Min

If you’re looking to get fresh eggs regularly, choosing the right chicken breeds can make a huge difference. Some chickens lay nearly an egg a day, while others produce less frequently but may have unique qualities like colored eggs or calm dispositions. Here’s a list of the top 10 chicken breeds known for their egg production, along with a breakdown of each breed’s key characteristics to help you make the best choice for your backyard coop.

1. Leghorn

Leghorns are famously known as one of the most prolific egg-laying breeds. With their strong instincts and hardy nature, they can adapt to various climates and environments. They’re light-bodied chickens, so they eat less than larger breeds, making them efficient layers. However, Leghorns can be a bit skittish and aren’t known for being especially friendly, but they’re low-maintenance and highly productive and one of the best chicken breeds for eggs.

Breed Overview:

Origin: Italy
Weight: 4-6 lbs
Life Expectancy: 4-6 years
Egg Color: White
Eggs per Year: 280-320
Color: White (common), but also in brown, black, and other colors
Activity Level: High, active foragers

2. Rhode Island Red

Rhode Island Reds are popular for their great egg production and hardiness. They’re friendly and social, making them a top choice for backyard setups. With rich brown feathers and good disease resistance, they’re one of the most beginner-friendly breeds. Rhode Island Reds are known to thrive in a variety of climates and can lay eggs throughout the year.

Breed Overview:

Origin: United States
Weight: 6.5-8.5 lbs
Life Expectancy: 5-8 years
Egg Color: Brown
Eggs per Year: 250-300
Color: Dark red/brown
Activity Level: Moderate, adaptable

3. Golden Comet

Golden Comets are a hybrid breed developed specifically for egg production, making them highly efficient layers. They’re friendly, easy-going, and perfect for family flocks. These chickens start laying eggs earlier than many breeds, often within five months. While not the most long-lived breed, their productivity makes them a great choice for steady egg production as one of the best chicken breeds for eggs.

Breed Overview:

Origin: United States
Weight: 4-6 lbs
Life Expectancy: 4-5 years
Egg Color: Brown
Eggs per Year: 250-300
Color: Golden-brown
Activity Level: Moderate, friendly

4. Sussex

The Sussex chicken is known for its gentle nature and steady egg-laying abilities. They’re especially popular in colder climates due to their resilience. Sussex chickens are good foragers and can adapt to free-range or confined spaces. With their calm disposition, they’re great around children and often enjoy interacting with their human caregivers.

Breed Overview:

Origin: England
Weight: 7-9 lbs
Life Expectancy: 6-8 years
Egg Color: Light brown
Eggs per Year: 240-250
Color: White with speckles (common), but other colors exist
Activity Level: Moderate, friendly

5. Plymouth Rock

Plymouth Rocks are an all-around favorite for backyard chicken keepers. They are hardy, friendly, and reliable egg layers. Known for their striking black-and-white striped feathers, they’re easy to handle and do well in both confinement and free-range environments. Plymouth Rocks are calm and laid-back, making them great for family-friendly setups.

Breed Overview:

Origin: United States
Weight: 7-8 lbs
Life Expectancy: 6-8 years
Egg Color: Brown
Eggs per Year: 200-280
Color: Barred black and white
Activity Level: Moderate, good foragers

6. Australorp

Australorps are best known for their egg-laying record, with a history of producing nearly an egg a day. They have glossy black feathers with a greenish sheen, and they’re generally calm, gentle birds. Australorps are easy to care for and tolerate different climates well, making them a top choice for many backyard flocks as livestock.

Breed Overview:

Origin: Australia
Weight: 5.5-8 lbs
Life Expectancy: 6-10 years
Egg Color: Brown
Eggs per Year: 250
Color: Black with a greenish sheen
Activity Level: Moderate, friendly

7. Isa Brown

Isa Browns are another hybrid breed, bred specifically for high egg production. These chickens are reliable layers and start producing eggs earlier than many other breeds. They’re friendly and gentle, making them a great choice for backyard chicken keepers. Isa Browns are particularly popular in small flocks where high productivity is a priority.

Breed Overview:

Origin: France
Weight: 4-6 lbs
Life Expectancy: 4-5 years
Egg Color: Brown
Eggs per Year: 300
Color: Light brown
Activity Level: Moderate, gentle

8. Orpington

Orpingtons are large, fluffy chickens known for their docile nature and dual-purpose qualities. They’re good egg layers and tend to adapt well to colder climates. Although they aren’t as productive as some hybrid breeds, they lay consistently and enjoy interacting with people. Orpingtons are perfect for families looking for a pet-like chicken with decent egg output.

Breed Overview:

Origin: England
Weight: 7-10 lbs
Life Expectancy: 6-8 years
Egg Color: Light brown
Eggs per Year: 200-280
Color: Buff (common), but other colors exist
Activity Level: Low to moderate, friendly

9. Barnevelder

Barnevelders are known for their beautiful dark, chocolate-brown eggs. Although they’re not the most prolific layers, they add color variety to your egg basket. With their unique feather patterns and calm demeanor, Barnevelders are a lovely addition to any flock. They’re well-suited for backyard environments and do well with free-range access.

Breed Overview:

Origin: Netherlands
Weight: 5.5-7 lbs
Life Expectancy: 5-7 years
Egg Color: Dark brown
Eggs per Year: 200
Color: Dark brown with lacing
Activity Level: Moderate, calm

10. Ameraucana

Ameraucanas are popular for their unique blue eggs, adding a splash of color to your egg basket. They aren’t the highest producers but are steady layers and are known for their calm and curious personalities. Ameraucanas tolerate various climates and adapt well to both confinement and free-range setups.