10 Best Chicken Breeds for Egg Production

Are you looking to start a backyard flock or upgrade your current one? If fresh eggs are your goal, choosing the best chicken breeds for egg production is key!

At Burns Feed Store, we have chicks arriving weekly from February to August. Check out our Chick Schedule to see what breeds are available, and call us to confirm availability or reserve your chicks. We also carry everything you need for happy, healthy layers—including feed, housing, and accessories!

Here are the 10 top egg-laying breeds that we offer that will ensure a steady supply of farm-fresh eggs.

10 Best Chicken Breeds for Egg Production

1. White Leghorn

🐣 Eggs per Year: 250–300
🥚 Egg Color: White
🌿 Why Choose Them? White Leghorns are among the most productive egg layers, making them a top choice for both backyard flocks and commercial production. These active birds are excellent foragers and adapt well to various environments.

2. Sexlink Crosses

Breeds include: cinnamon queen, red sexlink, red star, and golden comet

🐣 Eggs per Year: 280–300
🥚 Egg Color: Brown
🌿 Why Choose Them? These hybrid breeds are known for their early and consistent laying. Friendly and hardy, they are great for families and beginner chicken keepers.

3. Black Australorp

🐣 Eggs per Year: 250–300
🥚 Egg Color: Brown
🌿 Why Choose Them? This breed holds the world record for egg-laying, producing 364 eggs in 365 days! They are calm, cold-hardy, and excellent foragers.

4. Rhode Island Red

🐣 Eggs per Year: 250–280
🥚 Egg Color: Brown
🌿 Why Choose Them? Rhode Island Reds are dual-purpose birds, meaning they’re great for both eggs and meat. They are hardy, adaptable, and thrive in free-range or confined setups.

5. Wyandotte

🐣 Eggs per Year: 200–240
🥚 Egg Color: Brown
🌿 Why Choose Them? Known for their beautiful feather patterns and friendly nature, Wyandottes are excellent foragers and cold-hardy, making them a great choice for all climates.

6. Americana

🐣 Eggs per Year: 180–200
🥚 Egg Color: Brown, Turquoise, Olive, or Light Brown
🌿 Why Choose Them? Americanas are known for their beautifully colored eggs, but the exact shade is a surprise! Your flock could lay brown, turquoise, olive, or light brown eggs, making them a fun and unique addition to any backyard coop. They are friendly, hardy birds that do well in various climates.

7. Buff Orpington

🐣 Eggs per Year: 200–280
🥚 Egg Color: Light Brown
🌿 Why Choose Them? These gentle giants are among the friendliest breeds, making them great for families. They are cold-hardy, docile, and fantastic layers.

8. Sussex

🐣 Eggs per Year: 250–300
🥚 Egg Color: Brown
🌿 Why Choose Them? Sussex chickens are curious, friendly birds with high egg production. They are excellent foragers and adapt well to different environments.

9. Barred Rock

🐣 Eggs per Year: 200–280
🥚 Egg Color: Brown
🌿 Why Choose Them? Barred Rocks are hardy, reliable layers known for their calm demeanor and beautiful striped plumage. They do well in all climates.

10. Cochin

🐣 Eggs per Year: 180–240
🥚 Egg Color: Brown
🌿 Why Choose Them? While not the most prolific layers, Cochins are friendly, fluffy, and great for families. They add charm to any backyard flock.

Tips for Maximizing Egg Production

Even the best egg-laying chicken breeds need proper care to reach their full potential. A good feeding plan starts from day one and evolves as your hens grow.

Feeding the Best Chicken Breeds for Egg Production: From Chicks to Layers

🐣 First 4 Weeks: Start with Purina Chick Start & Grow Medicated to support early development
🐣 Transition to non-medicated chick grower feed around week 5 to promote steady growth
🐣 Feeder Space: Provide 24 inches of feeder space per 25 birds and raise feeders as they grow
🐣 Grit for Digestion: Offer chick grit starting at 2 weeks old in a separate container to help with digestion
🐣 Enrichment: Introduce fresh grass clippings or clumps of sod with grass once grit is available
🐣 Once Laying Begins: Transition to 16–18% protein layer feed and provide oyster shell for calcium supplementation to support strong eggshells

Best Practices for Healthy Laying Hens

✔️ Adequate Space: Allow at least 3 square feet per bird in the coop to reduce stress and promote laying.
✔️ Supplemental Lighting: Provide 12–14 hours of light per day in winter to maintain egg production.
✔️ Clean Environment: Keep the coop and nesting boxes clean and dry to prevent disease.
✔️ Stress Reduction: Maintain a calm atmosphere with distractions like perches and dust baths.
✔️ Regular Health Checks: Watch for parasites and common health issues to ensure consistent laying.

By starting with the right chick feed, transitioning properly, and following these care tips, you’ll set your hens up for a lifetime of healthy egg production!

Order Your Chicks from Burns Feed Store!

🐥 Chicks arriving weekly from February to August.
🐥 Check our Chick Schedule HERE to see available breeds and plan your order.
🐥 Call us at (503) 663-3246 to confirm availability and reserve your chicks.
🐥 We provide everything you need for a successful backyard flock – from supplies to expert advice we are happy to help!

Visit Burns Feed Store today to start your flock with the best layers!