Species of Laying Hens

All breeds of chickens lay edible eggs, all containing the same nutritional values. Through selective breeding, some varieties of hens have become superior egg layers for their consistency in laying and production quantity. Many of these modern breeds originate from the Leghorn chicken. The breed of hen determines the color and size of the eggs.

  1. Leghorn

    • Leghorn hens are one of the most popular types of chicken for egg production worldwide, with each bird producing about 300 eggs yearly and almost daily production. As a small breed, these chickens need less feed than most other breeds. The most well-known white egg laying chicken is the Single Comb White Leghorn, producing all white eggs sold in grocery stores. Laboratories also use Leghorn chickens for embryonic and avian biological research.

    Rhode Island Red

    • Rhode Island Reds are the official bird of Rhode Island state. They are large chickens that provide both meat and extra large brown eggs. They are proficient layers, producing almost one egg daily. These chickens are popular to keep as pets due to their friendly nature and their ability to withstand cold climates, though their use in commercial farming has declined. They are not particularly broody, so not useful for breeding, but cope with confinement well.

    Plymouth Rocks

    • The Plymouth Rock variety includes the Barred, White, Buff, Silver Penciled, Partridge, Columbian, Blue and Black Plymouth chickens. All types, except for the Barred and White Plymouths, are rare. The hens are dependable egg layers and, being a broody breed, a good choice for rearing. The hens are protective over new chicks and the roosters serve as good wardens for the flock. Although the Plymouth Rocks will bear confinement, they are happier when allowed to roam free.

    Ameraucana

    • The Ameraucanas are relatively rare, though popular for their beard, ear tufts and muff. Hatcheries often confuse this variety with the Easter Egg chicken, which lays eggs in an array of blues and greens, though the Ameraucana lays only blue eggs. The breed is used solely for laying and produces, on average, three eggs a week.

    Orpington

    • Orpington chickens, named from their town of origin Orpington, England, are large birds, reaching a weight of around 8 pounds. They produce both meat and eggs, consistently laying a high quantity of light pinkish brown eggs year-round. The chickens can range from the common black to white, blue or the relatively rare Buff Orpington. They are broad and low in build with a wide chest.