20 Egg Laying Hens For Your Backyard Gardens

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Keeping egg-laying hens in backyard gardens is becoming an increasingly popular trend among urban and suburban dwellers.

Not only these feathered friends provide a constant supply of fresh and nutritious eggs, but they also offer numerous other benefits. From reducing kitchen waste to providing natural pest control and fertilizer, these hens bring a sense of self-sufficiency and sustainability to your backyard.

In this article, we will explore different breeds of hens that produce prolific eggs, both in terms of taste and quantity. So, without delay let's dive straight into the article.


1. Golden Comet (330 Eggs)

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The Golden Comet, a backyard marvel, boasts an impressive annual egg-laying capacity of up to 330 eggs. These prolific layers start their eggcellent journey early, typically laying at around 16-18 weeks of age. The eggs are medium to large, with a beautiful brown hue that adds a touch of rustic charm to your collection.

To ensure optimal egg size and quantity, a well-balanced diet rich in protein, calcium, and proper nutrition is key. With their friendly disposition and consistent egg production, Golden Comets make for both delightful companions and exceptional contributors to your backyard bounty.

2. White Leghorn (300 Eggs)

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White Leghorn has sleek white feathers, bright red combs, and a slender build, these hens are both elegant and efficient. Boasting an impressive annual egg production of up to 300 eggs, they start laying at around 4-5 months old.

The eggs, large and white, make breakfast a delight. To ensure optimal egg size and quantity, a balanced diet rich in protein is key. These leggy ladies are the perfect addition to your coop, combining beauty and productivity in one feathery package.

3. ISA Brown (300 Eggs)

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ISA Brown is an excellent chicken in the egg-laying realm. Sporting a rust-colored plumage, these hens are not only charming but incredibly productive, churning out an impressive up to 300 brown eggs annually. The eggs are medium to large, boasting a rich brown hue.

ISA Browns typically start laying around 16-18 weeks, ensuring a swift return on your poultry investment. To fuel their egg-cellent performance, a balanced diet rich in protein is key. With ISA Browns, you're not just getting eggs; you're getting a delightful combination of efficiency and elegance in your coop!

4. Orpington (280 Eggs)

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The Orpington is a delightful egg-laying companion that boasts a gentle disposition and an annual egg production capacity of up to 280 eggs every year. These hens, known for their fluffy plumage, start laying around 5-6 months. Their eggs, large and brown, add a rustic charm to your basket. 

To optimize their egg size and number, a balanced diet rich in protein and calcium is essential. Orpingtons, with their sweet nature and dependable laying habits, make a feathered addition to any flock, ensuring both companionship and a steady supply of sizable, wholesome eggs.

5. Rhode Island Red (270 Eggs)

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The Rhode Island Red hens are a splendid egg-laying champions boasting a vibrant rust-colored plumage and a sturdy build. These hens exhibit exceptional productivity, laying approximately 260-300 large brown eggs annually.

The eggs, known for their rich flavor, are sizable and typically weigh around 26-27 ounces per dozen. Rhode Island Reds start their egg-laying journey at around 5-6 months of age. To ensure optimal egg quality and quantity, a well-balanced diet with sufficient protein is crucial. This breed, with its combination of beauty and prolific egg-laying, is a delightful addition to any flock.

6. Sussex (260 Eggs)

Source : livestockconservancy

The Sussex with their striking white or speckled coat boast an annual output of up to 260 eggs making them one of the best egg-laying chicken breeds. Their large, brown eggs are a testament to their robust laying abilities.

Starting their egg-laying journey at around 5-6 months, Sussex hens thrive on a balanced diet, rich in protein and calcium, ensuring optimal egg size and quantity. With their friendly demeanor and exceptional productivity, Sussex chickens are a delightful addition to any backyard flock, bringing both beauty and bounty to your coop!

7. Australorp (250 Eggs)

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The Australorp can lay up to 250 eggs in just one short year making them a great variety for egg harvesting. They boast a sleek black plumage and vibrant red comb. The eggs are large, with a rich brown hue. Australorps typically begin their prolific egg-laying journey at around 5-6 months of age.

To ensure optimal egg size and number, a balanced diet rich in protein, calcium, and essential nutrients is essential for these hardworking hens. The Australorp's combination of beauty and productivity makes it a top choice for those seeking a stellar egg-laying companion.

8. Serama (250 Eggs)

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Serama, a petite and charming breed, may be small in size but not in egg-laying prowess. These delightful hens typically start laying eggs at around 6 months old. Despite their diminutive stature, they produce an impressive 250 small-sized eggs annually on average. 

The eggs showcase a range of colors, adding a vibrant touch to your collection. To ensure optimal egg production, a well-balanced diet rich in calcium is essential for Seramas. These little wonders prove that good things come in small packages, delivering both joy and a steady supply of delightful eggs.

9. Houdan (230 Eggs)

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The Houdan, a distinctive French breed, is not only an eye-catching addition to your flock but also a reliable egg-layer. Sporting a unique appearance with a crest of feathers atop their heads and a v-shaped comb, Houdans lay up to 230 medium-sized white eggs annually.

These eggs boast a creamy richness and start appearing when the hens reach about 5-6 months of age. To ensure optimal egg size and production, a balanced diet rich in protein is essential for these charming birds. Keep your Houdans happy, and they'll reward you with delightful eggs!

10. Ancona (220 Eggs)

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Meet the Ancona is a feathered marvel that combines beauty and productivity. Sporting black and white mottled feathers, these hens lay an impressive 220 or more eggs annually. The eggs are medium to large, boasting a delightful white hue.

Anconas start their egg-laying adventure at around 5-6 months old, ensuring a prompt return on investment. To optimize egg size and quantity, provide a well-balanced diet rich in calcium and protein. With their striking appearance and prolific egg-laying prowess, Anconas are a delightful addition to any coop.

11. Plymouth Rock (200 Eggs)

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Plymouth Rock is a dependable egg-laying breed that boasts a striking black-and-white barred plumage. These hens typically lay up to 200 brown eggs annually. The eggs are medium to large, with a rich brown hue. Plymouth Rocks start their egg-laying journey around 5-6 months of age.

For optimal egg size and number, a balanced diet rich in protein, calcium, and minerals is crucial. These resilient and charming hens are not just a visual delight but also consistent providers of delectable, nutritious eggs.

12. Marans (200 Eggs)

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Meet the Marans lay up to 200 eggs annually making them one of the perfect chicken varieties to farm for homegrown eggs. They have a sleek and shiny black plumage, these hens boast a friendly demeanor. The eggs are a stunning deep chocolate brown, adding a touch of elegance to your basket.

Starting to lay eggs at approximately 6-7 months old, Marans require a balanced diet rich in protein for optimal egg size and number. Keep these beauties content, and they'll reward you with not just quantity, but quality in every egg they lay.

13. Ameraucana (200 Eggs)

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The Ameraucana, a charming breed, combines aesthetic appeal with impressive egg-laying capabilities. Sporting a distinctive appearance with a beard and muffs, these hens lay around 200 eggs annually. The eggs, known for their lovely pastel hues, vary in size but are generally medium to large. 

Ameraucanas typically start laying at 5-6 months old. To optimize egg size and production, a balanced diet rich in protein, calcium, and essential nutrients is essential. These delightful birds not only contribute to your egg basket but also add a touch of beauty to your flock.

14. Hamburg (200 Eggs)

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The Hamburg chicken is a commendable egg layer breed, contributing up to 200 small to medium-sized white eggs annually. Sporting a distinctive appearance with its rose comb, white earlobes, and striking black or silver spangled plumage, the Hamburg hen captivates with its elegance.

These efficient layers typically begin laying eggs at around 5-6 months of age. To ensure optimal egg quality and quantity, a well-balanced diet rich in protein is essential. The Hamburg's delightful combination of aesthetics and productivity makes it a valuable addition to any flock.

15. Faverolles (200 Eggs)

Source : livestockconservancy

The Faverolles hen is known for both its charming appearance and egg-laying prowess and lays approximately 200 eggs annually. It has a distinctive fluffiness and beard, these sociable chickens start laying at around 6-7 months old.

The eggs, medium to large, boast a lovely light brown hue. To ensure optimal egg production and size, a well-balanced diet rich in protein, calcium, and essential nutrients is crucial. Faverolles are not just feathered beauties; they're reliable layers that add both personality and productivity to any flock.

16. Polish (200 Eggs)

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The Polish chicken has a distinctive crest of feathers and is not just a fancy face but also a reliable egg layer. These charming hens produce around 200 white or tinted eggs per year, starting their egg-laying journey at approximately 5-6 months old.

Their medium-sized eggs are a delight, and for optimal size and number, a balanced diet rich in calcium and protein works wonders. With their unique appearance and consistent egg production, Polish chickens bring both style and substance to your backyard flock.

17. La Fleche (200 Eggs)

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La Fleche breed boasts a distinct appearance with a V-shaped comb, white earlobes, and glossy black plumage, exuding elegance in your coop. La Fleche hens lay approximately 200 large, white eggs annually.

Commencing their egg-laying journey at around 5-6 months, they require a balanced diet rich in protein for optimal egg size and production. These culinary artists thrive on a diet featuring high-quality poultry feed supplemented with protein-rich treats, ensuring a delightful egg-laying experience for poultry enthusiasts.

18. Dorking (200 Eggs)

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The Dorking is both rare and robust in its egg-laying capabilities. Sporting a distinct appearance with a rectangular body and five-toed feet, these hens contribute around 200 medium-sized brown eggs annually. They commence egg-laying at approximately 6 months of age.

The eggs are known for their rich flavor and sturdy shells. To optimize egg size and quantity, ensure a well-balanced diet with a focus on protein, calcium, and essential nutrients for these lovely Dorking hens. Embrace their unique charm and enjoy the extraordinary bounty they bring to your coop!

19. Campine (200 Eggs)

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Campine hens are both aesthetically pleasing and have excellent egg layers. With their distinctive barred plumage and elegant appearance, these alert and active chickens lay an impressive 200 eggs annually. The eggs are medium-sized and white, offering a delightful addition to your basket.

Campines typically start laying around 5-6 months of age. To ensure optimal egg size and production, a well-balanced diet rich in protein and calcium is essential. These captivating birds combine beauty with productivity, making them a charming choice for any poultry enthusiast.

20. Appenzeller Spitzhauben (180 Eggs)

Source : backyardchickens

The Appenzeller Spitzhauben is a striking breed that boasts a distinctive appearance with its pointed crest resembling a spire. As prolific layers, these hens produce up to 180 medium-sized white eggs annually. The eggs, though smaller than some breeds, are renowned for their remarkable taste.

Appenzeller Spitzhauben hens typically start laying at around 5-6 months old. To ensure optimal egg production and size, a balanced diet rich in protein, calcium, and essential nutrients is crucial. These captivating chickens bring both aesthetic charm and egg-laying prowess to any flock.

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