When building a backyard flock, one of the most common questions is how many eggs different chicken breeds produce each year. Egg color, consistency, and overall production vary widely by breed. Understanding these differences helps you choose birds that match your goals, whether that is daily eggs, colorful cartons, or balanced production with good temperament.
Below is a practical guide to popular poultry breeds and their average egg production per year.
High Egg Production Breeds
Some breeds are known for laying consistently and reliably throughout the year.
Rhode Island Red
Rhode Island Reds are one of the most dependable egg layers. They typically produce around 250 to 300 brown eggs per year. They are hardy, adaptable, and a top choice for both new and experienced poultry owners.
Black Australorp
Black Australorps are excellent layers and often outperform many other breeds. They average 250 to 300 light brown eggs per year and are known for calm temperaments and strong cold tolerance.
Balanced Layers with Good Temperament
These breeds offer steady egg production along with friendly personalities and good flock behavior.
Buff Orpington
Buff Orpingtons usually lay about 200 to 280 brown eggs per year. They are gentle birds and do well in backyard settings, making them popular with families.
Speckled Sussex
Speckled Sussex hens produce about 200 to 250 light brown eggs annually. They are active foragers and perform well in a variety of climates.
Wyandotte Varieties
Wyandottes are dual-purpose birds known for consistent laying and attractive plumage.
Gold Laced Wyandotte
Gold Laced Wyandottes lay approximately 200 to 240 brown eggs per year. They are cold-hardy and reliable layers.
Silver Laced Wyandotte
Silver Laced Wyandottes produce a similar number of eggs, averaging 200 to 240 brown eggs annually.
Blue Laced Red Wyandotte
Blue Laced Red Wyandottes typically lay around 180 to 220 brown eggs per year. They are prized more for appearance but still provide solid production.
Colored Egg Layers
Many backyard flock owners enjoy producing colorful eggs. These breeds are chosen as much for egg color as for quantity.
Easter Egger
Easter Eggers lay approximately 200 to 250 eggs per year. Egg color can range from blue to green and sometimes pink or brown, depending on the bird.
Olive Egger
Olive Eggers usually produce 180 to 220 olive-green eggs per year. Breeders create them by crossing blue-egg and dark brown-egg layers.
Cream Legbar
Cream Legbars are consistent blue egg layers, averaging 180 to 230 eggs per year. They are also auto-sexing, which makes chick selection easier.
Dark Brown Egg Layers
Dark brown eggs are popular for their rich color, though these breeds often lay fewer eggs.
Cuckoo Maran
Cuckoo Marans typically produce about 150 to 200 dark brown eggs per year. Egg color can vary by bloodline.
French Blue Copper Maran
French Blue Copper Marans lay around 150 to 200 very dark brown eggs annually. People often choose them specifically for egg color rather than volume.
Matching Breeds to Your Goals
No single breed does everything best. High-production breeds provide more eggs, while specialty breeds add color and variety. Many flock owners choose a mix of breeds to balance egg numbers, egg color, and temperament.
Egg production is also influenced by nutrition, daylight, health, and overall management. Even the best layers need proper feed and care to perform well.
Build a Productive, Colorful Flock
Choosing the right poultry breeds sets the foundation for a successful backyard flock. Whether you want baskets full of brown eggs or a rainbow of colors, there is a breed that fits your needs.
Be sure to follow Johnson Feed Co. on Facebook for tips on raising a healthy flock.
