Chickens that are good egg layers are called layer chickens. These chickens are raised mainly for eggs production. Nowadays, these layer chickens are getting popularity by both commercial and small scale farmers. Raising these chickens commercially is highly profitable, and also good for small scale farmers to produce enough eggs for their family consumption.
Actually raising chickens that are good egg layers can be incredibly rewarding. But at the same time choosing the right chicken breed for your production purpose is very important. There are numerous chicken breeds available which have varying egg production capabilities.
So, are you curious about the chickens that are good egg layers? If so, here we are going to discuss about some chickens that are good egg layers.
Chickens that are good egg layers
In terms of eggs production, not all the chickens are created equal. Like other farm animals, chickens are also of many different types and their eggs production ability vary depending upon the breed. Some of the breeds are very good for eggs production, some are good for producing meat, while some breeds are good for producing both meat and eggs. As your main goal is eggs production, so here we are going to discuss about top 10 chickens that are good egg layers.
1. Leghorn
Leghorn is the most common and most popular egg-producing chicken breed. The breed was named after a town in Italy where it was originated from. Leghorn chickens are actually well-known and popular for their excellent ability to convert feed into eggs efficiently.
Today, many different varieties of Leghorn chickens are available. But the ‘heritage” variety is more suitable for a backyard environment. If you want to have continuous eggs production for your family consumption, then you can consider this chicken breed. A Leghorn hen can lay around 280 to 320 medium sized and white colored eggs per year.
2. Rhode Island Red
Rhode Island Red chickens are noted for their gentle behavior and they are also excellent for eggs production. Rhode Island Red hens lay large brown eggs. It is the most popular chicken breed in the United States for eggs production. Along with high eggs production, the breed is also good for meat production purpose. It is actually a dual-purpose chicken breed. The breed is suitable for both commercial and small scale production. Their eggs are of medium size and are of brown color. A hen can typically lay between 200 to 300 eggs per year, and typically start laying eggs at around their 18 to 20 weeks of age.
3. Australorp
Australorp is another excellent egg laying chicken breed. It is noted for it’s high eggs production and black and green, iridescent feathers. Currently the Australorp chicken is very popular in many countries throughout the world, and it is good for both commercial and small scale production. An Australorp hen can lay between 200 to 250 brown colored eggs per year.
4. Plymouth Rock
Plymouth Rock is an excellent egg layer and it is among the most popular chicken breeds in the United States. Plymouth rocks are not among the best egg layers, but they produce good number of eggs and it is considered as a good breed for small scale or family production. They are large in size and are also good for producing meat. The breed is not suitable for commercial eggs production purpose. Average eggs production of this breed is typically around 200 eggs per year.
5. Orpington
Orpington is another popular egg laying chicken breed. It is noted for it’s quick maturing capability, friendly temperature, and ease of caring. It is actually a dual-purpose breed and good for both meat and eggs production purpose. The breed was developed in Britain and it is also popular in many other countries. On an average, the Orpington hens can lay around or up to 200 eggs per year.
6. Red Star
Red Star chickens are very good layers. They are noted for one special feature, and that is ‘you can easily identify the gender of a chick after hatching’. Red Star is a hybrid variety of chicken which was created by crossing two specific chicken breeds. The Red Star hens are able to produce around or up to 300 eggs in a year.
7. Spanish
The Spanish is another good egg laying chicken breed. It was first imported to the United States in the 1850s from Asia. Along with eggs production, the breed is also noted for it’s beauty. A Spanish hen can typically lay between 180 to 200 eggs per year.
8. Sussex
Sussex chicken is also a British breed like Orpington. It is a multi-purpose breed which is used for meat production, eggs production, and also for poultry shows. A Sussex hen can lay around or up to 250 eggs per year.
9. Chantecler
The Chantecler is a very strong and hardy chicken breed which was developed in Canada in the early 1900s. It is also docile in nature which makes it ideal for backyard keeping. These chickens have small combs and wattles, which make it well suited to colder climates. The hens can typically lay about 200-220 eggs per year.
10. Wyandotte
The Wyandotte is a large breed of chicken which lay good number of eggs, especially the Golden Laced variety. Along with good numbers of eggs production, the breed is also very good for producing meat. The Wyandotte hens can lay typically around 200 eggs per year. Their eggs are of brown color.
Heritage vS. commercial chicken breeds
Heritage breeds are excellent choice for small farms or backyard farmers who want to keep several chickens for their family eggs consumption. They lay eggs longer than most of the commercial breeds. Some common and popular heritage chicken breeds are Plymouth Rock, Golden Laced Wyandotte, Salmon Faverolle, Americana, Buff Orpington, Australorp, Dominique, Dorking, Jersey Giant, Catalana, Minorca, Rhode Island Red etc.
On the other hand, commercial chicken breeds are mostly hybrids which have been developed for improved eggs production. These breeds are excellent for commercial farms. Some highly productive commercial chicken breeds are Australorp, Leghorns, ISA Browns and so on. Most of these breeds are able to produce up to 300 eggs per year.
Why some chicken breeds lay more eggs than others?
Actually, there is no single answer of this question, and several factors can influence the number of eggs your chickens lay. But one of the most significant reason for this is improved breeding management. Poultry enthusiasts have developed some breeds through selective breeding for enhanced eggs production. That’s why some chicken breeds lay more eggs than others.
What factor influence eggs production in chickens?
Again, there is no single answer of this question. There are several factors that influence total eggs production in chickens. Eggs production from a hen depends on age, breed, nutrition, lighting, environment, stress etc.
These are the information we wanted to share with you regarding the chickens that are good egg layers. Some good egg layers are Leghorns, Lohman Brown, Australorps, Black Star, ISA Browns, Rhode Island Reds, Plymouth Rocks, Wyandotte etc. You can choose any of these breeds depending upon your own preference and production purpose. Hope this guide has helped you. Consider sharing it with your friends and family members if you find it helpful. Good luck and may God bless you!
