The Top Chicken Breeds for Egg Laying

Lovely fresh organic eggs are a big draw to owning chickens whether it is for a backyard coop, homestead or farm.
There are so many breeds to choose from that a person is quite spoilt for choice.
We have compiled a list of the top chicken breeds that will lay the most eggs for the breakfast table.

The Top 10 Egg Laying Chicken Breeds

Australorp

This lady has to be mentioned as a top layer! It is told that they apparently hold the world record for most eggs laid in a single. One Australorp hen laid 364 eggs in one year which is quite amazing!
Approximate amount of eggs per year: 250 to 300
Egg color: Light Brown
Egg size: Large
Start Laying from: 22 to 24 weeks old (5 to 6 months old)
Broody? Yes
Temperament: Calm and fairly docile
Size Bird: Pullet: 2.50 lbs. / Hens: 5.50 lbs.
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Golden Comet

These pretty golden chickens are not only great egg layers, but their easy-going nature makes them a great addition to any flock. The Golden Comet is one breed of chicken that will get along with almost any other breed of chicken.
Approximate amount of eggs per year: 250 to 330
Egg color: Dark Brown
Egg size: Large to X-Large
Start Laying from: 15 weeks old (3.5 to 4 months old)
Broody? No/rarely
Temperament: Quiet, calm and gentle
Size Bird: Pullet: 4.00 lbs. / Hens: 7.50 lbs.

 

Hybrid/Red Sex-Link chickens

Chickens such as the ISA Browns, Warren and Lohmann Brown chickens are hybrids that have been specifically crossed with a breed of a rooster with the red gene and a breed of a hen with a silver gene. This produces what is called a Sex-Link chicken that can be sexed from a hatchling. They are also bred to be non-broody egg layers.
Approximate amount of eggs per year: 250 to 300
Egg color: Brown
Egg size: Medium to Large
Start Laying from: 20 to 22 weeks of age (5 to 5.5 months old)
Broody? No
Temperament: Calm and fairly docile
Size Bird: Pullet: 2.50 lbs. / Hens: 4.40 lbs.

Sussex

The Sussex is one of the older breeds of chickens and were bred as a dual-purpose bird. Their meat is of the highest quality as are their many eggs they lay. This sweet bird is very docile and has to be watched in a mixed flock as they tend to get bullied.
Approximate amount of eggs per year: 250 to 300
Egg color: Light Brown
Egg size: Large
Start Laying from: 20 weeks old (5 months old)
Broody? Yes
Temperament: Docile, sweet and curious
Size Bird: Pullet: 5.50 lbs. / Hens: 8.00 lbs.
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White Leghorn

The White Leghorn is a free-spirited bird that is quite happy to forage for their food during the day. This makes the cost of feeding them, especially during the pest-filled summer days a lot less than some other breeds. They do come in different colors, but it is the white variant that lays the most eggs.
Approximate amount of eggs per year: 250 to 280
Egg color: White
Egg size: Large to X-Large
Start Laying from: 16 (Just over 3 months old)
Broody? No/very rarely
Temperament: Skittish, flighty and can be aggressive
Size Bird: Pullet: 3.00 lbs. / Hens: 5.00 lbs.
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Plymouth Rock

The Barred Plymouth Rock is one of the best all-rounder chickens. They make great pets, are excellent foragers and they are really great to have if you have kids. They have a sweet friendly nature and generally get along with all other breeds. They are also known for laying consistently all year long.
Approximate amount of eggs per year: 280
Egg color: Light Brown
Egg size: Large
Start Laying from: 20 to 22 weeks old (5 to 5.5 months old)
Broody? No/very rarely and sometimes in the spring.
Temperament: Sweet, friendly and calm birds. Great around kids.
Size Bird: Pullet: 3.50 lbs. / Hens: 6.00 lbs.
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Rhode Island Red

The Rhode Island Red is probably one of the best-known chickens in the world. They are consistent all year round egg layers, adapt to any environment and have a friendly nature.
Approximate amount of eggs per year: 250 to 260
Egg color: Brown
Egg size: Large
Start Laying from: 20 to 24 weeks old (5 to 6 months old)
Broody? Very rarely
Temperament: Docile
Size Bird: Pullet: 2.50 lbs. / Hens: 2.50 lbs.
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Ameraucana

The Ameraucana is often confused with a hybrid breed called the Easter Egger. It is very important that you buy this breed from a reputable breeder to ensure you are actually getting an Ameruacana.
Approximate amount of eggs per year: 250
Egg color: Light Blue
Egg size: Medium
Start Laying from: From around 25 weeks old (6 months old)
Broody? No
Temperament: Inquisitive and a lot of fun
Size Bird: Pullet: 4.5 lbs. / Hens: 7.00 lbs.
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Wyandotte

Wyandotte are a beautiful dual-purpose breed that will give you lots of eggs and very tasty meat should you be looking for a table bird. They come in many different color varieties and are great foragers. They are not the best breed to mix with other breeds as they tend to be quite dominant and bossy.
Approximate amount of eggs per year: 200
Egg color: Brown
Egg size: Large
Start Laying from: Around 20 weeks old (5 months old)
Broody? Yes
Temperament: Friendly, easy going but can be bossy
Size Bird: Pullet: 5.50 lbs. / Hens: 8.00 lbs.
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Orpington

The Buff Orpington is the most common variety of this rare chicken breed. These beautiful fluffy ladies are great dual-purpose birds that are great for the backyard, homestead and farmyard. A hardy girl with love of adventure and a calm patient nature. She is a great addition to any flock.
Approximate amount of eggs per year: 300
Egg color: Brown
Egg size: Large
Start Laying from: 4 to 5 months old
Broody? Yes
Temperament: Docile, calm, patient and friendly
Size Bird: Pullet: 4.50 lbs. / Hens: 8.00 lbs.
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