What Kinds Of Chickens Lay The Most Eggs

Every morning in the backyard coop could become an Easter egg hunt – sans the excitement.

Yes, some chickens may just lay there doing nothing instead of laying eggs. It can indeed be a frustrating experience waiting for warm and fresh eggs to drop, but many things may stand in the way. 

Sometimes it is a health or environmental issue, and other times it is the type of chicken. Or perhaps, you are unlucky like my neighbor Marge who bought half a dozen chicks from the pet store with the dreams of freshly laid eggs in the morning. 

Unfortunately, these cute chirpers grew up to become roosters that are only good for waking people at odd hours rather than laying eggs. Undoubtedly, she didn't want to take any chances with her second try, so she came to me for help.

Unlike other kids, I did not spend much time running around barefoot as I grew up on a farm full of chickens. Although stepping on bird poop was a massive part of my childhood, my backyard pets also hatched my interest in raising these entertaining birds. 

After all these years, here are my findings on what kinds of chickens lay the most eggs. 

5 Kinds Of Chickens That Lay The Most Eggs

If you are a first-time chicken keeper, simply getting a chicken that lays many eggs isn't the best strategy. That said, if you are inexperienced, I recommend that you opt for hens that are known to have calm temperaments. In fact, some friendly breeds can even be trained to eat right out of your hand. 

At the same time, some people may prefer one breed over the other for their color or look. Taking these factors into account, here's a list of five kinds of egg-laying chickens and some additional characteristics about them to help you narrow down your choices. 

1. Australorp Hen

A) Temperament

Australorp hens are friendly to humans and remain calm even in small coops. However, they are much more aggressive with other hens and may even resort to eating their eggs. 

B) Appearance

These gorgeous hens have a shiny black plumage with a hint of green and purple highlights. On average, a female hen will weigh about 5-6 lbs. 

C) Egg Production (Annual)

Once the hen turns 22-24 weeks old, it can start laying eggs. Considered one of the highest egg producers, the friendly hen may lay as many as 250 eggs in a year. This number may even increase as the highest record to date is 364 eggs in a year. 

2. Rhode Island Red Hen

A) Temperament

I grew up around these independent, free-range birds that roamed all day on a ½-acre grassy lawn. However, you may keep them penned up and provide enough foraging opportunities, and they will still tolerate it well. But be aware that these hens are also friendlier to humans than other smaller hens.  

B) Appearance

An average Rhode Island Red Hen will weigh about 6.5 lbs upon maturity. And as the name suggests, these hens are usually a rusty, reddish color, and may be black in some areas. 

C) Egg Production (Annual)

The Rhode Island Red Hen starts laying eggs once it turns anywhere between 18 and 24 weeks old. Once it does, you can expect about 250 brown eggs every year.  Interestingly, these chickens are standard in poultry farms and may serve both purposes.

3. Sussex Hen

A) Temperament

Possibly the most docile of them all, Sussex Hens are sweethearts that can be trained to sit next to you or eat directly from the palm of your hands. They are also curious birds that are a joy to watch. Needless to say, they are often the target of aggressive birds placed in the same coop.

B) Appearance

The most common colors on a Sussex Hen are white and black – with most of the body being white. What's interesting about these birds is their large size. Sussex Hens don't need much space to move about despite weighing 8 lbs. and being slightly larger than most other breeds.

C) Egg Production (Annual)

A Sussex Hen can start laying eggs at 16 to 20 weeks old. Don't be shocked if the hen lays eggs of different colors, ranging from white to brown. 

4. White Leghorn Hen

A) Temperament

Despite being the inspiration behind the confident Looney Toons cartoon character of the same name, the White Leghorn Hen is flighty and shy. In other words – it chickens out easily. Nevertheless, you can keep this breed cooped up or let it roam free during the summers.

B) Appearance

Generally, a White Leghorn Hen is all-white with a bright red wattle and comb. On average, a full-grown bird will weigh about 5 lbs. 

C) Egg Production (Annual)

Once a White Leghorn Hen is 16-17 weeks old, be prepared with your basket as it may lay as many as 280 eggs every year. Just like its feathers, the eggs will be white in color. 

5. Barred Rock Hen

A) Temperament

Also known as the Plymouth Rock Hen, this one is a beautiful, friendly and reliable option well-suited for beginners. If you choose to keep these in your yard, don’t forget to let the birds out to forage freely or play with the kids. And not just kids – these hens also get along well with other chicken breeds.

B) Appearance

Weighing about 6.5 lbs., an average Barred Rock Hen is relatively big and dons a unique black-and-white striped pattern around its body. 

C) Egg Production (Annual)

These birds may begin laying eggs before they turn 22 weeks old. In a year, you can expect anywhere between 200 and 280 eggs.

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