10 Chickens That Lay the Most Eggs (and 10 Breeds with Stunning Egg Colors)

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Mathew Abraham

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Mathew Abraham

Meet Mathew, Cat Dad and Animal Advocate! Mathew is the editor at PawDown, overseeing content strategy and quality. He's in charge of carefully curating the best pet stories, tips, and advice for you.

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Chickens are not just delightful companions, they’re also hard-working members of any farm or backyard flock. Whether you’re looking for high egg production or colorful eggs that add a touch of vibrancy to your basket, certain chicken breeds stand out. Some are known for their consistent, high egg yield, while others are admired for the stunning variety of eggs they produce. Let’s see 10 chicken breeds that excel in egg production and another 10 that lay truly beautiful eggs, offering you all the information you need to choose the right breed for your needs.

1. Golden Comet

Golden Comet
Pinkpnts/Reddit

Golden Comets are hybrid chickens celebrated for their outstanding egg-laying abilities. These industrious birds typically produce around 280 brown eggs per year, making them some of the most reliable layers in the chicken world. Their easygoing temperament and ability to adapt to various climates make them a great choice for families and smaller farms. Golden Comets are also quite low-maintenance, thriving even in confined spaces, so they’re perfect for people with limited room for a flock. These hardworking chickens make a wonderful addition to any backyard.

2. Rhode Island Red

Rhode Island Red
HeatherLion/WikimediaCommons

If you’re looking for a dependable egg layer, the Rhode Island Red is a breed you can count on. These robust chickens average about 250 brown eggs each year, making them a top pick for those seeking consistent egg production. They’re also known for their ability to thrive in all kinds of climates, from hot summers to cold winters. Rhode Island Reds are calm, making them a favorite among both experienced farmers and backyard enthusiasts. Their steady laying and hardworking nature make them an essential breed for any flock, especially if you want eggs year-round.

3. Leghorn

Leghorn
Bodlina/WikimediaCommons

Leghorns are the superstars of egg production. Known for laying an impressive 250+ white eggs annually, they’re one of the most efficient and productive breeds around. These chickens are fast-moving and active, making them well-suited for larger spaces or free-range environments. While they’re not as cuddly or docile as some other breeds, their hardy nature and ability to stay productive year-round make them a popular choice for commercial egg production. If you’re looking to maximize your egg yield, Leghorns are a great option.

4. Lohmann Brown

Lohmann Brown
uupalark/Reddit

Lohmann Browns are a hybrid breed known for their prolific egg-laying ability, producing up to 280 brown eggs per year. These friendly and gentle chickens are easy to handle, making them a perfect fit for both novice and experienced chicken keepers. They’re hardy and can thrive in various environments, from colder climates to warmer regions. Lohmann Browns are often favored by commercial farmers for their high egg output, but they also make great pets due to their calm and affectionate nature.

5. Sussex

Sussex
Alpha/Reddit

Sussex chickens are another breed that strikes the perfect balance between beauty and productivity. These birds typically lay about 250 eggs per year, offering a reliable and consistent supply of brown eggs. Sussex are also known for their gentle personalities and ability to free-range, which makes them ideal for smaller farms or backyard flocks. They adapt well to various climates and are excellent foragers, helping you keep your chicken feed costs down. Their easygoing nature and solid egg production make them a popular choice for any backyard farm.

6. Easter Egger

Easter Egger
HZOfficial1/WikimediaCommons

Easter Eggers are a delightful breed not only for their colorful eggs but also for their impressive egg-laying capacity. These birds typically produce around 250 eggs annually in hues ranging from blue to green to pink. Their friendly and curious nature makes them a great choice for families and beginner chicken keepers. Easter Eggers are adaptable to different climates, making them a versatile option for various environments. Their beautiful, varied eggs and reliable production make them a fun and productive breed to have in any flock.

7. Buff Orpington

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Buff Orpingtons are among the most friendly and gentle chicken breeds, making them a favorite among families. These dual-purpose birds lay around 200 large brown eggs per year. They are also prized for their docile nature, which makes them easy to manage. Buff Orpingtons thrive in colder climates and are particularly resilient during the winter months. They also make great meat birds, providing a well-rounded solution for small farmers looking to both collect eggs and raise chickens for meat.

8. Plymouth Rock

Plymouth Rock
ThomasKreese/WikimediaCommons

Plymouth Rock chickens, also known as Barred Rocks, are another dependable breed when it comes to egg production. They typically produce around 200 eggs each year, primarily brown, with some birds even laying eggs with a slightly speckled pattern. These chickens are known for their calm temperament and striking plumage, making them both functional and ornamental. Plymouth Rocks are also excellent foragers, making them perfect for free-range environments. Their reliable egg-laying ability and friendly nature make them ideal for backyard flocks.

9. Minorca

minorca
EricFlitzpatrick/WikimediaCommons

Minorca chickens stand out for both their elegant appearance and their ability to produce large white eggs. They are hardy and adapt well to various climates, thriving in warmer regions. While they may not lay as many eggs as some other breeds, producing around 200 eggs annually, their large eggs are highly prized for their size and quality. Minorcas are also friendly, though they tend to be a bit more independent than other breeds. They make a great addition to any flock, particularly for those who appreciate both beauty and function.

10. Hamburg

Ospr3yy/WikimediaCommons

Hamburg chickens are known for their exceptional egg-laying ability, producing up to 200 white eggs each year. These chickens are highly active and alert, making them perfect for free-range environments. Hamburgs are a bit smaller than some other breeds, but they make up for it with their impressive egg production. While they’re not as docile as some other breeds, their consistent laying and striking appearance make them a popular choice for both ornamental and practical purposes. Hamburgs are a reliable and productive breed for any farm or backyard.

10 Chicken Breeds That Lay Beautiful Eggs

Chicken
reijotelaranta/Pixabay

Eggs come in a variety of colors, and some chicken breeds are particularly known for producing stunningly beautiful eggs. Whether it’s soft pastel hues or deep, rich tones, these chickens can add a unique touch to your egg collection. Let’s now look at 10 such breeds that offer not only high egg production but also beautifully colored eggs that will stand out in any basket.

1. Ameraucana

Ameracuana
RoyalePhotography/WikimediaCommons

Ameraucanas are celebrated not just for their friendly and calm personalities but also for the pastel blue eggs they lay. These beautiful eggs can range from a soft robin’s egg blue to a deeper shade, making them a prized addition to any flock. Ameraucanas are hardy, cold-resistant birds that do well in various climates, including colder regions. They typically lay around 180–200 eggs per year, and their unique bearded and muffed appearance only adds to their charm. With their stunning eggs and calm temperament, they’re a fantastic choice for families.

2. Cream Legbar

Cream Legbar
JackBerry/WikimediaCommons

Cream Legbars are best known for their soft, pastel blue eggs, which are a joy to collect. These chickens are autosexing, meaning you can easily tell the gender of their chicks, making flock management a breeze. Cream Legbars typically lay around 200 eggs annually and are quite friendly and easy to handle. They’re adaptable to a wide range of climates, from cold winters to warmer temperatures. Their consistent egg production and unique blue eggs make them a favorite for backyard farmers looking for beauty and practicality.

3. Olive Egger

Olive egger
xpat-gal/Reddit

Olive Eggers are unique hybrids known for their stunning green eggs. The colors of their eggs can range from light mint to deep olive tones, creating a vibrant, eye-catching collection. These birds are typically a cross between blue egg layers and dark brown egg layers, giving their eggs a distinctive hue. Olive Eggers lay around 180–200 eggs annually, making them productive as well as beautiful. These chickens are also known for their friendly and curious nature, making them a joy to raise in backyard flocks. They’re perfect for anyone looking to add color to their eggbasket.

4. Marans

Marans
seppingsR/WikimediaCommons

Marans chickens, particularly the Black Copper Marans, are famous for their deep, dark brown eggs that can sometimes have a reddish or purplish hue. These eggs are highly sought after by chefs and culinary enthusiasts for their rich color and flavor. Marans typically lay around 150–200 eggs per year, and while they’re not the highest producers, their stunning eggs more than make up for it. These hardy birds thrive in various climates and are known for their calm and friendly demeanor, making them a great addition to any backyard or small farm.

5. Welsummer

Welsummer
JoshLarios/WikimediaCommons

Welsummers are known for their beautiful terracotta-colored eggs, often speckled with darker brown spots, which give them a rustic and charming look. These chickens are friendly, and intelligent, and excel in free-range environments. Welsummers typically lay around 160–200 eggs annually, and their egg color makes them a sought-after breed for those who love variety. These chickens are hardy and can adapt well to different climates, ensuring that their beauty and egg production remain consistent year-round. Their striking eggs and friendly nature make them a great choice for backyard farmers.

6. Isbar

Isbar
cecililaW79/WikimediaCommons

Isbar chickens are a rare and beautiful breed that lays green eggs, often with subtle speckling. These Swedish birds are cold-hardy and thrive in northern climates, making them perfect for regions with harsh winters. They typically lay 150–180 eggs per year and are valued for both their unique egg color and consistent productivity. Isbars are friendly and curious, making them a joy to raise in backyard flocks. Their striking green eggs and reliable egg production make them a standout choice for those looking for both beauty and function.

7. Whiting True Blue

true Blue
nbutski/WikimediaCommons

Whiting True Blue chickens are known for their vibrant blue eggs, which they produce in consistent quantities throughout the year. These chickens lay over 300 eggs annually, making them one of the highest-producing breeds for blue eggs. Their energetic and resilient nature allows them to thrive in various farming environments, from small backyard flocks to large commercial operations. The combination of their consistent egg production and stunning blue eggs makes Whiting True Blue chickens a highly sought-after breed for both commercial and hobbyist chicken keepers.

8. Barnevelder

Barnevelder
Air55/WikimediaCommons

Barnevelder chickens are famous for their laced plumage and their light chocolate-brown eggs, which are often speckled with darker patterns. These birds typically lay around 150–200 eggs per year, making them a reliable yet decorative addition to any flock. Barnevelders are friendly, calm, and relatively easy to manage, which makes them great for backyard farmers or novice chicken keepers. Their unique appearance and beautiful eggs make them a standout breed in any chicken coop. Their stunning eggs and adaptable nature ensure they remain a favorite among chicken enthusiasts.

9. Penedesenca

Penedesenca
Maria Antonia Udina Castel/WikimediaCommons

Penedesenca chickens are known for laying dark reddish-brown eggs with a glossy finish, adding a rich and luxurious touch to any egg collection. Native to Spain, these birds are exceptional foragers and thrive in free-range systems. While their egg production is a bit lower, averaging 120–160 eggs per year, their eggs are highly valued for their color and flavor. These chickens are hardy and adaptable, making them perfect for small-scale or heritage farming. Penedesencas are also highly prized by niche markets and heritage breeders due to their rich history and stunning eggs.

10. Prairie Bluebell Egger

Prairie
dsk8er3/Reddit

Prairie Bluebell Eggers are known for their bold and eye-catching sky-blue eggs. These hybrid chickens are prolific layers, producing up to 280 eggs annually. Their friendly and docile nature makes them a great choice for families or beginners. Prairie Bluebell Eggers thrive in various climates and are excellent at adapting to different environments. Their stunning blue eggs and consistent egg production make them a perfect addition to any flock, whether you’re looking for vibrant eggs for personal use or to sell at the market.

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