Chicken Breeds: The 5 Best Egg Layers

When it comes to backyard chicken keeping, we all want the best of both worlds: happy, healthy hens that lay eggs like it's their full-time job. But not all chickens are created equal when it comes to egg production. Some are content to lounge around, peck at snacks, and lay an egg here and there when they feel like it. Others? They're the best egg layers!

If you're looking to fill your egg basket to the brim, let's talk about the best egg layers you can add to your flock. But first, let's crack open a lesser-known topic: a chicken’s body temperature and why it matters for their egg-laying.

Why Does an Egg Layer’s Body Temperature Matter?

Your fluffy egg-makers run warmer than you might expect. A healthy chicken's body temperature sits between 105-107°F (40-42°C). This heat plays a big role in metabolism, digestion, and, of course, egg production. When a hen's body temperature drops due to cold weather or stress, it can slow down the egg-layers. That's why keeping your flock in a cozy, well-ventilated coop is essential for keeping the egg train rolling.

Speaking of keeping your hens in top shape, have you checked out Buff Clucks’ Herb Supplement for Backyard Chickens? It’s packed with natural ingredients that support digestion, boost immunity, and keep your girls laying strong year-round. A sprinkle in their feed, and they’ll be feeling as fresh as a daisy (or, you know, a particularly happy hen).

The 5 Best Egg Layers for Your Flock

Alright, now onto the stars of the show, the breeds that will keep your fridge stocked with farm-fresh eggs.

Isa Brown

These hybrid hens were practically designed to be egg-laying champions, producing 300-350 brown eggs per year—yes, you read that right! They are incredibly friendly, easy to handle, and perfect for beginners who want a consistent supply of fresh eggs. The best part? Isa Browns have a sweet and affectionate nature, making them great for families who want feathered friends that love a cuddle (or at least tolerate one).

Leghorn

The Leghorn is the gold standard of egg-laying. These sleek, white-feathered beauties lay 280-320 white eggs per year! They’re energetic, excellent foragers, and relatively low-maintenance. Just be prepared, Leghorns are independent, flighty, and not the cuddliest chickens on the block.

Rhode Island Red

Looking for a dual-purpose bird that lays like a champ? Rhode Island Reds give you the best of both worlds. These hardy hens lay 200-300 brown eggs annually and are known for their friendly personalities. They can even handle both heat and cold like pros!

Australorp

The Australorp is famous for breaking records, one hen laid 364 eggs in 365 days! While your average backyard hen might not quite hit that, you can expect 250-300 eggs per year from these black-feathered beauties.

Golden Comet

A hybrid breed created specifically for egg production, Golden Comets are egg-laying dynamos. They produce 250-300 eggs per year, making them an ideal choice for anyone who wants a reliable, hardworking hen with a friendly attitude.

Keeping Your Egg Layers in Top Shape

Laying eggs is hard work! To keep your hens happy and productive, here are a few essential tips:

• Make sure they’re getting a balanced diet with plenty of protein and calcium. Just like humans, chickens need the right nutrition to stay strong and keep those eggs coming. A nutrient-deficient hen won’t be able to lay consistently, so think of their diet as the foundation of egg production. Add a high-protein treat like GrubFuel—Nature’s Protein for Strong Chickens to their diet for an extra boost, especially during molting or cold months when they need more energy."

• Keep fresh water available at all times. Hydration is a key ingredient in egg-laying success! Dehydration can cause a drop in egg production, so always ensure your hens have clean, fresh water available. Try adding AquaBoost Water Supplement for Backyard Chickens to their water. It’s formulated with essential vitamins and electrolytes to keep your hens hydrated, healthy, and laying strong, even during hot summer months.

• Give them a clean and comfy coop. A happy hen is a productive hen, and nothing stresses a chicken out like a messy, overcrowded coop. Keep their home well-ventilated, predator-proof, and stocked with fresh bedding to ensure they feel safe and comfortable. Chickens are creatures of habit, so a clean coop helps keep their routine stress-free, leading to more eggs in your basket.

• Dust baths are a must for every flock. Chickens don’t just bathe in water; they love rolling around in the dirt to keep themselves clean and pest-free! A proper dust bath helps prevent mites and lice, keeping your girls happy and itch-free. To give them the best spa treatment, add CoopShield—Diatomaceous Earth and Herbs for Chickens to their dusting area. It’s an all-natural way to keep pests at bay while supporting healthy skin and feathers, because nobody wants a grumpy, itchy hen!

What If My Hens Aren’t Laying?

If your chickens suddenly take an egg-laying vacation, don’t panic! Here are a few common reasons why your hens might be holding out on you:

Shorter daylight hours 

Chickens aren’t big fans of the winter slowdown. As daylight hours decrease, your hens naturally lay fewer eggs because they need 14-16 hours of light to keep those eggs rolling. If you want to keep production up during the darker months, consider adding supplemental lighting in the coop, but keep it natural, like a sunrise and sunset schedule, to avoid stressing them out.

Molting 

Think of molting as your hen’s version of a much-needed spa retreat. During this period, they lose old feathers and grow in fresh, fluffy ones. Unfortunately, regrowing a full coat of feathers takes a lot of energy, and that means putting egg production on hold. Give your hens extra protein-rich treats during this time to help them bounce back faster!

Stress 

Chickens may seem easygoing, but they can be drama queens when things get out of whack. Sudden changes in weather, rowdy new flock members, or even the looming shadow of a predator can throw them into an egg-laying funk. Keep their environment stable, safe, and as peaceful as possible to help them stay productive. A happy hen is a laying hen!

Egg-Layer Age 

Just like us, chickens slow down with age. Most hens hit peak egg-laying between 6 months and 2 years old, and after that, production gradually declines. While they may still lay here and there, don’t expect the same daily bounty from your senior hens. But hey, they’ve earned their retirement, so let them enjoy their golden years scratching around the yard!

Illness/Parasites 

A sick hen isn’t going to be focused on laying eggs. If your girls have suddenly stopped laying and are looking a little under the weather, check for signs of illness or parasites. External pests like mites and lice, or internal parasites like worms, can sap their energy and cause a drop in production. 

If you’ve ruled out all of the above and your hens still aren’t laying, consider giving them a boost with Buff Clucks’ Herb Supplement, your girls will be back to filling your egg cartons before you know it.