Want to know the best chicken breeds for eggs? There are several breeds of chickens, and it can be overwhelming trying to find the best one for your needs. Here are some of the best egg laying hen breeds and some more information so you can choose the best birds for your flock.

Best Chicken Breeds for Eggs

The first time we got chickens, I was overwhelmed looking through the Meyer Hatchery catalog. I knew I wanted friendly chickens since the kids were little, but I also wanted eggs.

You may not care about the temperament of the birds and just want hens that lay a lot of eggs for more return on your investment.

Or maybe you want birds that are good for meat and eggs.

Whatever your reason for getting chickens, here are the best egg laying chicken breeds.

For more information about chickens, read these posts:

Keep track of your backyard flock with this printable chicken keeping planner. You can print it and create a binder to keep track of your feed log, to do list, hatching records, medical, and more!

Is Raising Chickens For Eggs Worth It?

There are a lot of variables at play when determining the cost-effectiveness of raising animals, especially chickens. In your first year or so of raising chickens, you probably will not see major cost benefits.

However, there are other benefits to raising your own chickens aside from potentially saving money. For instance, you are able to control what your chickens eat and what medications go into their bodies

In this way, you can ensure that your eggs and meat are up to your standards. Further, you will be able to rely on chickens to produce food even during times where you aren’t able to buy eggs from the store, such as during shortages or natural disasters.

What Breed Of Chicken Lays The Most Eggs Per Year?

Of all the breeds, the white leghorn is known to produce the most eggs per year and is one of best egg laying chicken breeds .

This breed is known to produce 350-370 eggs every year, an astounding number compared to most breeds.

There are two types of Leghorn, being the standard Leghorn and the heritage Leghorn. The standard breed is better suited for industrial egg laying, while the heritage Leghorn is one of the best egg laying chickens for backyard chicken farming.

What Chicken Lays 350 Eggs A Year?

Of the chickens that lay 300 eggs per year, some of the most consistent producers are the white leghorn breed, as mentioned previously. These chickens typically surpass 350 eggs per year!

Which Chickens Lay The Most Nutritious Eggs?

The Ameraucana breed of chicken is most often recommended as a healthy-egg laying breed. These chickens are the combination of multiple chicken breeds and, as a result, have eggs higher in nutrition than do other breeds.

What Is The Easiest Chicken To Raise For Eggs?

There are a couple different breeds of chicken that are known to have easier temperaments, making them some of the best egg laying chickens for backyard.

Australorps, Rhode Island Reds, and Plymouth Rocks are all common beginner chickens that are fairly easy going, especially amongst the hens.

Further, these are all of the best egg laying chickens for beginners as they are easy to work with and are more docile on average. best egg laying chickens for beginners.

How Many Chickens Should I Start With For Eggs?

At a minimum, you should plan on keeping three to six chickens for eggs. If you have the space, you can raise more, but ultimately that is up to you.

More chickens means more eggs, but it also means more work and a larger financial investment on your part.

How Many Chickens Do I Need For 2 Dozen Eggs A Week?

In order to get a dozen eggs a week, you would need three to five hens minimum. For two dozen eggs a week, then, you will need about six to ten hens, though the more you have the better your egg yield will be.

Best Chicken Breeds for Eggs

With so many breeds to choose from, it can be tough to determine what the best breed of chicken is for you. It is important to do your research and pick the breed that works best for your climate and set up as well.

Following is a quick rundown of some of the best chicken breeds for eggs and especially the best egg laying chickens for beginners.

White Leghorn

The White Leghorn is one of the most popular chickens, which is no surprise given the sheer amount of eggs it is able to produce. While not the easiest or most mild-mannered birds, they do produce a lot of eggs and are a good choice for advanced egg farmers.

Red Star

Red Star chickens have a distinct reddish brown color and are fantastic layers, consistently laying around 300 eggs a year. They are more docile than are other breeds and are a decent breed for beginner chicken farmers.

Australorps

As a breed, Australorps are one of the best egg laying hens and are in the top few spots with respect to egg production, as they are some of the best egg production hens.

They lay larger brown eggs and are easier to work with than are other breeds. This makes them an enticing breed for many homesteaders.

Rhode Island Reds

Rhode Island Reds are a calmer breed of chicken that produce big brown eggs. They are good looking birds that lay consistently and come in two types of breed, one better for industrial farming and the other better for homesteading.

Sussex Birds

Sussex chickens are renowned for their meat, eggs, and show-quality making them a great all around breed of chicken. They are not the best for beginners, but for intermediate chicken farmers they can really provide a lot to your homestead.

Orpingtons

Orpingtons are a fantastic chicken for beginner farmers as they mature quickly and are very fun and easy to work with. Plus, they have a good yield with most hens laying about 200 eggs a year.

They are a popular choice of breed if you have kids on your homestead as well and are some of the best best egg laying chickens for beginners.

Brahmas

Brahmas are gentle giants, as they are a lot bigger than are other breeds of chicken but, at the same time, very calm and easy to get along with. They are consistent layers, even laying during the winter months, making them a good breed for colder climates.

Chantecler

Speaking of breeds that are good for colder climates, the Chantecler was specifically developed for the harsh Canadian winter. This means that they will lay eggs in the harsher winter months.

Plus, they are gentle and docile creatures, making them some of the best egg laying chickens for beginners. However, they are a good choice for beginners and advanced chicken farmers alike due to their egg production. If you are looking for some of the best egg laying hens for colder climates, look no further.

Plymouth Rocks

Plymouth Rocks are popular due to their legacy as easy to work with birds, and as some of the best chicken breeds for eggs. Plymouth Rocks consistently lay about four times a week. Plus, their meat is just as good as their egg production, making them a great dual-purpose bird.

Have you gotten any of these breeds? Which ones do you like?

For more information about chickens and eggs, I recommend the following books:

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Best Egg Laying Chickens for Backyard

Best Chicken Breeds for Eggs

Is Raising Chickens For Eggs Worth It?

What Breed Of Chicken Lays The Most Eggs Per Year?

What Chicken Lays 350 Eggs A Year?

Which Chickens Lay The Most Nutritious Eggs?

What Is The Easiest Chicken To Raise For Eggs?

How Many Chickens Should I Start With For Eggs?

How Many Chickens Do I Need For 2 Dozen Eggs A Week?