Top 5 Best Egg Laying Chicken Breeds for Backyard Flocks

Whether you're homesteading on acreage or raising a small flock in your suburban backyard, choosing the best egg laying chicken breeds is one of the most important decisions you'll make. Some hens are cute and colorful, but not all are consistent producers. If your goal is to gather a basketful of eggs week after week, breed matters.

Below, we’ll walk through the five best egg laying chicken breeds that combine production, personality, and hardiness. These hens aren’t just prolific—they’re reliable, beginner-friendly, and well-suited to a variety of climates and setups.

1. Leghorn

The Leghorn is a powerhouse when it comes to egg production. These sleek, lightweight chickens are known for their high energy, excellent feed-to-egg conversion, and unmatched laying consistency. They produce an impressive 280–320 white eggs per year, making them one of the best egg laying chicken breeds available.

Leghorns are active and alert birds that prefer to forage and roam. While they’re not the most affectionate breed, their productivity makes them a top pick for anyone focused on maximizing their egg yield. They thrive in warm climates and benefit from a secure coop and free-ranging space to burn off energy.

Want to add this breed to your flock? Click here to learn more about the Leghorn , or have chicks shipped directly to your doorstep.

2. Cinnamon Queen

Cinnamon Queens are a popular hybrid breed developed for exceptional egg production and a sweet, easygoing temperament. These golden-red hens are prolific layers, producing around 280–320 large brown eggs per year, making them one of the best egg laying chicken breeds for backyard flocks.

Their friendly disposition makes them a favorite for families and first-time chicken owners. Cinnamon Queens start laying early—sometimes as young as 16 weeks—and maintain steady output through their first couple of years. With their reliable performance and calm personalities, they’re an excellent choice for anyone looking to raise productive, low-maintenance hens.

Want to add this breed to your flock? Click here to learn more about the Cinnamon Queen, or have chicks shipped directly to your doorstep.

3. Australorp

The Australorp is an Australian breed developed from the Orpington. With its glossy black feathers and calm temperament, it’s both beautiful and practical. What truly sets Australorps apart is their record-breaking laying ability—one hen famously laid 364 eggs in 365 days. More typically, they produce around 250–300 light brown eggs per year.

Australorps are cold-hardy and adapt well to confinement, making them ideal for colder climates or urban setups. Their friendly nature and consistent output earn them a firm place among the best egg laying chicken breeds for homesteaders and suburban chicken-keepers alike.

Want to add this breed to your flock? Click here to learn more about the Australorp, or have chicks shipped directly to your doorstep.

4. Rhode Island Red

A true American classic, the Rhode Island Red is beloved for its toughness, adaptability, and dependable egg laying. These deep red birds are known to produce 250–300 brown eggs per year and can keep laying through less-than-ideal conditions.

Hardy in both hot and cold climates, Rhode Island Reds are one of the best egg laying chicken breeds for beginners. They’re bold and a bit more independent, but still social with flockmates and humans. Their resilience and dual-purpose nature (eggs and meat) make them a longtime favorite on farms and in backyard coops across the country.

Want to add this breed to your flock? Click here to learn more about the Rhode Island Red, or have chicks shipped directly to your doorstep.

5. Austra White

A lesser-known but incredibly productive hybrid, the Austra White is a cross between a White Leghorn and a Black Australorp. The result? A prolific layer with a mellow temperament and attractive white plumage flecked with black. These hens typically lay 250–300 large white eggs each year.

Austra Whites offer a great balance of the Leghorn’s productivity and the Australorp’s calm demeanor. They adapt well to various environments and do well in mixed flocks. If you’re searching for one of the best egg laying chicken breeds that offers something a bit different, Austra Whites are a smart, often underrated choice.

Want to add this breed to your flock? Click here to learn more about the Austra White, or have chicks shipped directly to your doorstep.

Keeping Chickens Happy = More Eggs

Even if you choose the best egg laying chicken breeds, a stressed or malnourished hen won’t produce well. Egg laying is a biological function tied closely to a chicken’s health, environment, and sense of safety.

Here’s how to keep your flock happy and productive:

• Stress-free space: Chickens need a calm, predictable environment. Avoid overcrowding, sudden coop changes, or frequent flock disruptions. Stress can cause hens to stop laying entirely.

• Proper feed: Use a high-quality layer feed with 16–18% protein and added calcium. Supplement with oyster shell for strong eggshells, and offer fresh water daily. Occasional treats like leafy greens or mealworms are fine but shouldn’t replace balanced feed.

• Coop comfort: Ensure your coop is dry, well-ventilated, and predator-proof. Nesting boxes should be clean and comfortable, and hens should have access to roosts and space to roam.

• Seasonal support: Egg production typically slows in winter due to reduced daylight. While some of the best egg laying chicken breeds continue to lay year-round, adding supplemental light in the coop (14–16 hours/day) can help. Molting (usually in fall) also temporarily halts egg laying—during this time, focus on high-protein nutrition and let your flock rest.

Happy hens are productive hens. When you meet their physical and emotional needs, they reward you with a steady supply of fresh eggs—no matter the season.