Different Breeds of Laying Hens

There are many different breeds of egg-laying hens. The majority of hen breeds were developed over 100 years ago. Every breed of hen will lay a different color, size and amount of eggs each year.

  1. Ameraucana

    • Ameraucana hens are originally from South America. They are very good egg layers, and their eggs are a medium size and different shades of blue.

    Barnevelder

    • Barnevelder hens were developed in the late 19th century in Holland. These hens are good egg layers. Their eggs are normally a very dark reddish brown and are large in size.

    Delaware

    • The Delaware hen was developed in 1940 by George Ellis. The hen gets its name from its state of origin. Delaware hens are very good layers with medium brown eggs. Their eggs tend to be large.

    Rhode Island Red/White

    • Both Rhode Island breeds where developed in New England in the 19th century. They are both prolific egg layers with rich brown eggs. Rhode Island hens are the best breed for brown egg production. Their eggs are also large.

    Leghorn

    • Leghorn hens are considered to be an ancient breed. They are very prolific egg layers that lay white eggs. Their eggs can be anywhere from medium to large in size.

    Wyandotte

    • The Wyandotte hen was developed in New York State and Wisconsin in the 19th century. This very large bird is a good egg layer. Their eggs tend to be light to rich brown and large in size.