Most people get into backyard chickens for the fresh eggs, with many looking specifically for the best egg laying chickens to ensure a steady supply. However, what a lot of people don’t realize is how quickly you can get attached to these sweet little birds who give you breakfast. I could go on and on about my 40 pets, but for today we’re going to focus on a few popular breeds of chickens that are great egg layers and will provide a colorful variety in your egg basket!
What to Consider Before Adding to Your Flock
Not all chickens are created equal when it comes to egg production. Chickens need anywhere from 12-16 hours of daylight to lay eggs, and some breeds outperform others due to genetics. However, some breeds known for their egg-laying abilities can be a little aggressive.
For our family, we wanted chickens that are good layers and friendly pets. I’ve learned the hard way—like the time we got two gorgeous Silver laced Wyandottes that ended up being aggressive toward the rest of the flock. They found a new home with my father-in-law, who loves their eggs but still deals with their fiery personalities. The lesson here? Do your research! Most hatcheries will give you a run-down on a breed’s personality and egg production stats.
My Favorite Chicken Breeds for Eggs and Personality
After years of trial and error, I’ve found a few breeds that I absolutely love for their egg-laying consistency and friendly personalities. These breeds make a beautiful addition to any backyard flock:
Calico Princess
Let’s dive into why these breeds have become my favorites!
Plymouth Barred Rock: The Friendly All-Rounder
My Plymouth Barred Rocks (#happythechicken) are probably my favorite. They are well rounded birds. They do well in the heat and the cold, are docile and easy to handle and lay large brown eggs. My chicken, Happy, is the reason I fell in love with backyard chickens. She is 2 ½ years old and is still laying like a champ. She welcomes me to the coop and travels with me occasionally. Barred Rocks lay approximately 200-250 brown eggs per year and are easy to care for. You won’t be disappointed in this breed!
Photo of a Plymouth Barred Rock, Courtesy of Hoover’s Hatchery
Marans: Beautiful Eggs, Great Personality
The next breed I want to highlight are the Marans. Marans originate from a town in France called….you guessed it...Marans! There are different types of Marans and a couple that are on my list of birds I want to add to my flock. However, I own a French Black-Copper Marans (Big Betsy) and she lays me dark, beautiful eggs. She’s winter-hardy and very docile. Marans lay approximately 225 dark brown eggs per year and are medium in size.
Photo of Marans, Courtesy of Hoover’s Hatchery
Sapphire Olive Egger: A Pop of Color in Your Egg Basket
Next, I’d like to talk about my Sapphire Olive Egger, Opal. She’s a beautiful chicken who lays beautiful olive green eggs. She’s friendly and is very consistent. She went broody one time but wasn’t hard to break. Olive Eggers will provide you with approximately 250-260 olive green eggs per year and will make your egg basket shine.
Photo of a Sapphire Olive Egger, Courtesy of Hoover’s Hatchery
Calico Princess: The Surprise Star of the Flock
Finally, the Calico Princess breed was a breed I didn’t know much about until I brought home Myrtle and Millie. These girls are so much fun! They have big personalities and are so friendly to people and their flock mates. They’ve added a gorgeous feather landscape to the flock with their deep red feathers with light flecks. They do well in both summer and Minnesota winters. These girls are laying machines and will provide around 290 brown eggs per year! It was a happy surprise breed for me and I’m so glad I brought them home.
Photo of a Calico Princess
Myrtle taking a spin around the backyard
Other High-Egg Laying Breeds to Consider
While I don’t own any of these breeds (yet!), here are a few more to consider if you’re looking for egg production powerhouses:
Leghorns
Isa Browns
Each of these breeds is known for laying large quantities of eggs, so they’re definitely worth considering as you build your flock!
Find What Works Best for You
My encouragement is that you find the breeds that will work best with your situation, set-up and family. We have 13 breeds in our backyard! They all do very well together and I can’t imagine not having any of them. Raising chickens is super fun and rewarding. Diversifying your flock and egg color will totally depend on your desires.
Until next time,
-The Wing Lady