Raising backyard chickens for eggs has become increasingly popular, with 13% of American households now keeping chickens.1 This trend isn’t just about fresh eggs; it’s a step towards sustainable living and food security.
Chickens are relatively low-maintenance pets that can produce up to 300 eggs per year, depending on the breed.
Beyond egg production, these feathered friends offer natural pest control and provide nutrient-rich fertilizer for gardens. However, with so many breeds to choose from, where do you start?
Here are 15 egg-laying chickens perfect for beginners.
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1. Rhode Island Red
Rhode Island Reds are the quintessential backyard chicken. These rust-colored beauties are known for their hardiness and impressive egg-laying abilities.
They can produce up to 300 large brown eggs per year, making them a favorite among both beginners and experienced chicken keepers.
Care tips:
- Provide a balanced layer feed
- Ensure access to fresh water daily
- Offer a secure coop with proper ventilation
- Allow for free-range time when possible
2. Leghorn
Leghorns are the powerhouses of the chicken world. These white-feathered dynamos are egg-laying machines, capable of producing up to 320 large white eggs annually.
Their active and alert nature makes them excellent foragers, but they can be a bit flighty compared to other breeds.
Care tips:
- Offer plenty of space for foraging
- Provide high perches for roosting
- Supplement diet with calcium for strong eggshells
- Ensure the coop is draft-free in colder climates
3. Plymouth Rock
Plymouth Rocks, also known as Barred Rocks, are gentle giants in the chicken world. These black and white striped birds are excellent layers, producing around 280 large brown eggs per year.
Their docile nature makes them perfect for families with children.
Care tips:
- Provide a spacious coop with room to move
- Offer a varied diet including kitchen scraps
- Ensure access to dust-bathing areas
- Regular health checks for optimal egg production
4. Australorp
Australorps are the gentle souls of the chicken world. Originating from Australia, these glossy black birds are known for their calm demeanor and impressive egg-laying abilities.
They can produce up to 250 large brown eggs annually and hold the world record for most eggs laid in a year by a single hen.
Care tips:
- Provide a balanced diet rich in protein
- Ensure ample space for exercise
- Offer shaded areas during hot weather
- Regular parasite checks and prevention
5. Sussex
Sussex chickens are the friendly neighbors of the poultry world. These docile birds come in various colors and are known for their curious and outgoing personalities.
They’re reliable layers, producing around 250 medium to large brown eggs per year.
Care tips:
- Offer a variety of treats for mental stimulation
- Provide sturdy nesting boxes for egg-laying
- Ensure coop is predator-proof
- Regular handling to maintain friendliness
6. Orpington
Orpingtons are the fluffy teddy bears of the chicken world. These large, friendly birds are known for their gentle nature and make excellent pets.
While not the most prolific layers, they still produce a respectable 200-280 large brown eggs annually.
Care tips:
- Provide extra protection in hot weather due to thick plumage
- Offer a protein-rich diet for optimal health
- Ensure coop has wide doorways for their large size
- Regular grooming to maintain feather condition
7. Ameraucana
Ameraucanas are the Easter egg layers of the chicken world. These bearded beauties are known for their blue eggs, laying around 250 medium-sized eggs per year.
They have a friendly disposition and are generally good with children.
Care tips:
- Provide a varied diet for optimal egg color
- Ensure the coop has proper ventilation
- Offer perches at various heights
- Regular beak trimming may be necessary
8. ISA Brown
ISA Browns are the workhorses of the egg-laying world. These hybrid chickens are specifically bred for their egg-laying abilities, producing up to 300 large brown eggs annually.
They’re friendly, adaptable, and perfect for beginners.
Care tips:
- Provide a high-quality layer feed
- Ensure access to plenty of fresh water
- Offer calcium supplements for strong eggshells
- Regular health checks to maintain productivity
9. Golden Comet
Golden Comets are the overachievers of the chicken world. These red-feathered hybrids are known for their early maturity and impressive egg production, laying up to 320 large brown eggs yearly.
They’re friendly, quiet, and excellent foragers.
Care tips:
- Provide a balanced diet with added protein
- Ensure the coop has proper insulation for winter
- Offer plenty of space for foraging
- Regular parasite prevention
10. Wyandotte
Wyandottes are the beauty queens of the chicken world. These stunning birds come in various color patterns and are known for their docile nature.
They’re good layers, producing around 200 medium to large brown eggs annually.
Care tips:
- Provide a varied diet including greens
- Ensure the coop has proper ventilation
- Offer dust bathing areas for feather maintenance
- Regular handling to maintain friendliness
11. New Hampshire Red
New Hampshire Reds are the hardy pioneers of the chicken world. These reddish-brown birds are known for their adaptability and good egg production, laying around 200 large brown eggs per year.
They’re excellent foragers and do well in free-range environments.
Care tips:
- Provide a protein-rich diet for optimal health
- Ensure the coop has sturdy fencing for their active nature
- Offer plenty of space for foraging
- Regular health checks for optimal productivity
12. Brahma
Brahmas are gentle giants of the chicken world. These large, feather-footed birds are known for their calm demeanor and winter hardiness.
While not the most prolific layers, they produce around 150 medium to large brown eggs annually and are excellent winter layers.
Care tips:
- Provide extra protein in winter for continued laying
- Ensure the coop has wide doorways and low perches
- Offer regular foot care due to feathered feet
- Provide extra protection from predators due to docile nature
13. Marans
Marans are the chocolate egg layers of the chicken world. These French birds are known for their dark brown eggs, laying around 150-200 eggs per year.
They have a calm disposition and are generally good with children.
Care tips:
- Provide a diet rich in greens for optimal egg color
- Ensure the coop has proper drainage for its large size
- Offer plenty of space for exercise
- Regular health checks to maintain egg quality
14. Ancona
Anconas are the speckled beauties of the chicken world. These active birds are known for their distinctive black and white mottled feathers.
They’re excellent layers, producing up to 220 medium-sized white eggs annually, and are known for their foraging abilities.
Care tips:
- Provide plenty of space for their active nature
- Ensure the coop has high perches for roosting
- Offer a varied diet including insects
- Regular handling to maintain friendliness
15. Barnevelder
Barnevelders are the hidden gems of the chicken world. These Dutch birds are known for their beautiful dark brown eggs, laying around 180-200 eggs per year.
They have a calm and friendly disposition, making them excellent for beginners.
Care tips:
- Provide a balanced diet for optimal egg color
- Ensure the coop has proper insulation for winter
- Offer dust bathing areas for feather maintenance
- Regular parasite prevention
Each breed offers its unique charm and benefits. Successful chicken keeping involves more than just selecting the right breed; it requires dedication, proper care, and attention to your flock’s needs.
With the right preparation and care, you’ll soon be enjoying fresh, homegrown eggs and the delightful company of your feathered friends.
Source:
Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.