Top 5 Chicken Experts Share Egg-Laying Secrets
Understanding the Purpose of Keeping Chickens
Deciding to have your own chicken flock at home can be an exciting and slightly overwhelming process. However, before you start, it’s crucial to figure out why you want chickens in the first place. If you’re getting chickens for the eggs, there are certain breeds known for their egg-laying potential that you should consider over others. With so many different breeds available, most first-time chicken owners need a little guidance to select the right ones.
Experts recommend considering several factors when choosing which chickens to keep. These include the chicken’s yield, the temperament of the breed, and how adaptable the chickens are. According to J.K. Yarborough, an extension agent with the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, these factors play a significant role in determining the success of your backyard flock.
Key Considerations When Choosing Chicken Breeds
Yield is the most obvious metric, referring to how many eggs a bird lays each week and how consistent the laying schedule is. Temperament matters as well because a docile flock is easier to handle, and some breeds are more docile than others. Overall adaptability is also important and includes things like heat tolerance, resistance to common pests, and whether they can thrive with the level of feed and care your yard can provide.
Another factor to consider is the size of the birds when they mature. Bigger or older hens may bully smaller or younger birds, so if you’re getting a variety of breeds, it’s important to choose those with similar mature sizes. Additionally, the color of the eggs laid by the chickens depends on their breed, not their nutrition or environment. So, if you’re looking for blue or olive eggs, you’ll need to research and find breeds known for laying those colors.
The Best Egg-Laying Chicken Breeds
Pet chickens that lay eggs can generally be grouped into heritage breeds and hybrids. Heritage breeds are traditional “purebreds” that tend to be hardier, grow more slowly, have long productive lives, and are often good mothers and foragers. On the other hand, hybrids are production breeds specifically bred for high egg production but typically don’t live as long as heritage breeds and may have more general health issues.
Experts suggest starting with heritage breeds if you’re unsure about which breed to choose. Here are five top egg-laying chicken breeds recommended by experts:
Barred Plymouth Rock
The Barred Plymouth Rock is a popular heritage chicken that was first developed in Massachusetts. They are a very hardy, cold-hardy breed, making them a good choice if you want lots of eggs and live in a colder climate. These hens should lay about 200 medium-sized light-tan eggs a year. Beyond their productivity, they are praised for their friendly nature and being calm and easy to handle, making them amazing pet chickens for families or hobby farmers.
Australorp
If maximum egg production is your goal, Steele suggests getting Australorps as they are one of the best egg-laying chicken breeds. Australorps are not only very hardy and docile hens, but they consistently hold the record for the breed that lays the most eggs. In fact, an Australorp set the world record when she laid 364 light brown eggs in 365 days. They are also resilient, making them a popular choice among backyard poultry keepers.
Rhode Island Red
Rhode Island Reds are another top recommendation for egg production. They have dark mahogany-colored feathers and are known for being hardy. While they can be bossy, they are exceptional backyard chickens for egg production, laying about 300 large brown eggs per year. Their combination of durability, high productivity, and bold appearance makes them a favorite among beginners and seasoned poultry keepers alike.
Wyandotte
Like Plymouth Rocks, Wyandottes are an egg-laying chicken breed that do well in cold weather. While they aren’t considered “terribly friendly,” they are known for being calm and docile, making them suitable for families willing to handle chickens with a bit more independence. They consistently lay around 200 large brown eggs per year, or roughly four eggs per week, making them a great choice for homesteaders or beginners looking for a low-maintenance yet productive breed.
Orpington
The Orpington is a large, fluffy chicken breed known for its friendly and gentle temperament, making it one of the best pet chickens for families and backyard flocks. They are calm and easy to handle, which is why they are perfect for beginners or anyone looking to raise backyard chickens. In addition to being a sweet companion, they are excellent egg-layers, producing up to 280 large, light brown eggs per year, or about four to five eggs per week. Their consistent egg production and easygoing nature make them a popular choice for anyone wanting a productive and friendly addition to their home flock.
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