Chicken Breeds Chart
A quick reference for popular backyard breeds, sorted by egg production. Numbers are typical averages for healthy hens in their prime; your birds will vary with care, climate, and age. To estimate output for your own flock, use the egg laying calculator.
| Breed | Eggs / year | Egg color | Size | Temperament |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leghorn | 280 | White | Standard | Active |
| Rhode Island Red | 250 | Brown | Standard | Hardy |
| Australorp | 250 | Brown | Standard | Docile |
| Easter Egger | 250 | Blue or green | Standard | Friendly |
| Sussex | 240 | Light brown | Standard | Curious |
| Plymouth Rock | 220 | Brown | Standard | Friendly |
| Wyandotte | 200 | Brown | Standard | Calm |
| Marans | 180 | Dark brown | Standard | Calm |
| Orpington | 180 | Brown | Large | Gentle |
| Barnevelder | 180 | Dark brown | Standard | Docile |
| Welsummer | 160 | Dark brown | Standard | Friendly |
| Cochin | 160 | Brown | Large | Docile |
| Brahma | 150 | Brown | Large | Gentle |
| Silkie | 100 | Cream | Bantam | Docile |
🥚 Best breeds for eggs
For the most eggs, the standouts are Leghorn, Rhode Island Red, Australorp, Easter Egger, Sussex. These productive layers average 240 or more eggs a year in peak season. Leghorns lay the classic white supermarket egg, while Rhode Island Reds and Australorps lay brown and Easter Eggers lay blue or green.
🐣 Best breeds for beginners and families
If you want calm, friendly birds that tolerate handling, look at Australorp, Wyandotte, Marans, Orpington, Barnevelder, Cochin, Brahma, Silkie. They lay a little less than the top layers but are hardy, docile, and forgiving of first-time keepers. Many families choose a mixed flock to get a rainbow of egg colors and a range of personalities.