A Top Ten List of the Best Chickens for Eggs

Most folks keep a flock of chickens for their eggs and having the best chicken breeds for eggs makes all the difference. In this regard, not all breeds are created equal. So if your goal is to get eggs, check out this top ten list of productive breeds. You'll soon find these breeds will be the backbone of your backyard flock.

While your flock may be located in your backyard, your chickens represent more than a fun and delicious hobby, your birds feed your family and directly help fund your bank account if you're in the business of selling eggs. If your birds are providing family food, it’s fun to experiment with different breeds and not worry about the bottom line. For an egg business owner, that’s not a luxury that’s often afforded. Picking out the best chickens for eggs is a business decision that’s crucial to success.

What criteria land a breed on the best chickens for eggs list?

• Laying Habits — Does your breed have the capacity to lay an egg a day or is it more like two to three eggs a week? 

• Egg Color and Size — Does your customer base prefer all white eggs or all brown eggs? For many consumers today, a multi-colored egg carton is appealing.

• Breed Size and Temperament — These facts are less crucial but still important. This way you can provide adequate coop/run space and maybe accommodate your kids that may be helping with the eggs business chores and wouldn’t appreciate a mean chicken.

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1. AUSTRALORP

“My Black Australorps have been healthy, active and friendly birds from the beginning. They are a great bird to have around kids and family. These are prolific egg layers and do well in hot and cold weather. This breed holds the record for egg-laying capacity. A hen once laid 364 eggs in 365 days!” – Pam Freeman

Laying Habits: 5+ Eggs Per Week

Egg Size: Large

Egg Color: Brown

Temperament: Gentle, Docile, Chatty

2. LEGHORN

“The Leghorn chicken is one of my favorite chicken breeds. I have had both White and Brown Leghorns. They are hardy, curious birds with tons of personality. They reliably produce large white eggs and are some of the best layers in my flock. When no one else is producing, my Leghorns are still going strong.”— Pam Freeman

Laying Habits: 5+ Eggs Per Week

Egg Size: Large

Egg Color: White

Temperament: Active, Skittish

3. SUSSEX

“Speckled Sussex chickens are friendly, hardy birds that do well in all seasons. They are interesting because no two are exactly alike and their speckling gets more decorative with each chicken molting season.” — Pam Freeman

Laying Habits: 4 to 5 Eggs Per Week

Egg Size: Large

Egg Color: Brown

Temperament: Calm

4. SEX LINK

Sex Links are not a true breed, rather, they are a hybrid bred solely for egg production. A sex-linked chicken can be sexed at hatch by its color, taking the guesswork out of whether you have a hen or a rooster. Sex Links can also be referred to as Golden Buff, Golden Comet, Cinnamon Queen, Red Star and Black Star. 

Laying Habits: 5+ Eggs Per Week

Egg Size: Large

Egg Color: Brown

Temperament: Varies

5. EASTER EGGER

It’s important to note that the Easter Egger is not an officially recognized breed. These birds are of a mixed lineage that varies per hatchery. If you have questions when ordering these birds, make sure to ask the hatchery before you make a purchase. Also, individual Easter Egger chickens will not lay multiple egg colors. For example, if a hen starts they out laying green eggs, that will continue through her lifetime.

Laying Habits: 3 to 4 Eggs Per Week

Egg Size: Large

Egg Color:  Blue, Green or Pinkish/Cream

Temperament: Docile, Friendly

6. BRAHMA

"Brahmas are one of my favorite breeds. They are large birds with feathering on their legs and feet. I find them to be productive layers. They are a cold-hardy chicken breed that even lay through the cold months. They are enjoyable to have around because they have such friendly personalities." - Pam Freeman

Laying Habits: 3 to 4 Eggs Per Week

Egg Size: Medium

Egg Color: Brown

Temperament: Gentle, Friendly

7. NEW HAMPSHIRE

"We have had several New Hampshire chickens in our flock. They are hardy, friendly, good layers. When my chicken-raising days are done, I'll still always have a soft spot in my heart for Red, one of our New Hampshire hens. A better chicken I could not ask for!" - Pam Freeman

Laying Habits: 4 to 5 Eggs Per Week

Egg Size: Large

Egg Color: Brown

Temperament: Calm, Friendly

8. WYANDOTTE 

"Wyandottes are wonderful chickens to have in a backyard flock. They are beautiful, hardy and productive birds. Of the color types, I have had both Silver Laced and Golden Laced Wyandottes. My preference is for the Golden Laced Wyandottes. They seem to have a more calm and friendly personality." - Pam Freeman

Laying Habits: 4 to 5 Eggs Per Week

Egg Size: Large

Egg Color: Brown, Tan

Temperament: Calm

9. PLYMOUTH ROCK

"These are some of the most curious and friendly hens I've had in my flock. They are hardy, great layers. They are often the hens found around when you're digging a hole and they want to see what you've overturned." - Pam Freeman

Laying Habits: 4 to 5 Eggs Per Week

Egg Size: Large

Egg Color: Russet Brown

Temperament: Docile

10. ORPINGTON 

“Overall, this is a breed I would definitely add to my flock in the future. They are generally friendly birds that are cold-hardy, heat tolerant and lay well through the winter. While not the strongest layer of the bunch, Orpingtons make up for it in friendliness; a perfect breed to have around kid helpers!” – Pam Freeman

Laying Habits: 3 to 4 Eggs Per Week

Egg Size: Large to Extra Large

Egg Color: Light Brown to Dark Brown

Temperament: Easily Handled and Calm

What are your favorite egg layers? Let me know in the comments below.