So you want to start raising chickens for fresh eggs but are unsure which breed to choose?
Don’t worry – we’ve got you covered!
In this article, we’re going to tell you about the best egg-laying chicken breeds for beginners.
These breeds are easy to care for, hardy, and are great layers to boot.
Read on to learn all about these egg-citing chickens!
16 Best Egg-Laying Chicken Breeds for Beginners
Besides keeping you entertained and providing fresh eggs for your family, backyard chicken farming gives your yard a lively and eco-friendly charm.
But if you want to make your farm chores really count, you need to put your money where your mouth is and invest in a chicken breed that is known for laying lots of eggs.
Here are some of the best egg-laying chicken breeds for beginners.
1. Rhode Island Red 
Rhode Island Reds are one of the most hardy and enduring chicken breeds, making them the perfect breed for first-time backyard chicken farmers.
Their adaptability to various climates and environments has made them one of the most popular chicken breeds around the world.
In general, Rhode Island Reds can adapt to both hot and cold temperatures and are relatively free of health issues.
They are known to be friendly and gentle birds, making them ideal for beginners who may not have experience handling a flock.
Most importantly, Rhode Island Reds have an impressive egg-laying capacity.
On average, they can lay 250 to 300 brown eggs annually.
This means that you’re guaranteed to have a steady supply of fresh, delicious eggs for breakfast, baking, and cooking.
Their egg-laying capability puts them at the top of the list for new chicken farmers seeking the highest production of eggs.
2. Sussex
One of the biggest advantages of the Sussex breed is how easy they are to care for.
They are hardy and adaptable chickens that can do well in practically any climate.
Sussexes also do not have any particular health issues or special requirements that would need extra attention.
This makes them a great choice for novice chicken keepers who are still learning the ropes of raising chickens.
They are also known to be prolific layers, with some hens laying up to 250 eggs per year.
They also start laying at a young age, typically around 5 months, which means you won’t have to wait long to start enjoying freshly laid eggs.
Sussex chickens are not only great egg producers but also make good meat birds.
They are also good at foraging and can help keep your backyard free of pests and weeds.
This means that even if you decide to change your plans later on, the Sussex breed is still a worthwhile investment.
3. Barred Plymouth Rock 
The Barred Plymouth Rock is a low-maintenance breed, making it perfect for novices.
These chickens are sturdy, adaptable, and tolerate a wide range of climatic conditions.
They only require basic care such as shelter, clean water, and high-quality feed.
Barred Plymouth Rocks also forage, although it’s essential to supplement their diet with commercial feeds.
This breed is hardy, resistant to most common diseases, and a star among egg-laying breeds.
These chickens produce large brown eggs year-round; each hen can lay up to 280 eggs annually.
This rate is consistent with breeds exclusively raised for their egg-laying ability, making the Barred Plymouth Rock a significant value for poultry keepers.
One negative aspect of raising chickens is their propensity to go broody, which means they stop laying eggs to sit on their eggs and hatch chicks.
The Barred Plymouth Rock is not known for being an overly broody breed, which saves time for you while also increasing egg production.
4. Whiting True Blue
A newer breed that only developed in the 1990s, the Whiting True Blue is also a great choice for beginners.
Why? Because it also has an incredibly mild temperament.
These birds are friendly and docile birds that are easy to handle and bond with.
They are also less likely to be aggressive toward other chickens, which means they can be housed in groups without too much squabbling.
The Whiting True Blue is an excellent egg-laying breed that is known for its high productivity.
On average, a single hen can lay up to 280 eggs per year. That’s almost one egg per day!
This breed also starts laying eggs at a young age, which means you won’t have to wait too long before your hens start producing.
5. Olive Egger 
One of the reasons why Olive Eggers are a great choice for beginners is because they have exceptional egg production.
These chickens can lay up to 200 olive green eggs per year, which means you will always have a fresh supply of eggs handy.
These birds are also nice to look at.
The Olive Egger is a beautiful chicken breed with unique feather colors.
The term “Olive Egger” refers to the color of the eggs they lay, not their feather colors, which can range from black, brown, beige, or green.
6. Buff Orpington
Buff Orpingtons have a docile and friendly nature that makes them a great choice for first-time chicken keepers.
This chicken breed is known for being calm and easygoing, which means that they are less likely to peck at you or your children.
They also enjoy being around people, making them great pets for families.
Of course, this is an excellent egg-laying breed that can produce up to 280 large brown eggs per year.
This makes them a productive addition to any backyard flock.
A single chicken can lay five eggs per week, which is enough to provide fresh eggs for the family.
Plus, Buff Orpingtons do not take long to reach the egg-laying age, which is another advantage for beginners.
7. Faverolles
Faverolles is a French breed that was developed in the 19th century.
They are known for their friendly personalities and soft feathers and can lay up to 250 eggs per year.
Their large size makes them easy to handle and great for families with children.
Faverolles are also hardy and can tolerate cold weather well.
8. Easter Egger 
Easter Eggers are a hybrid breed that lay colorful eggs, ranging from blue, green, or pink.
They have a friendly and curious personality, making them great pets for children.
They lay around 250 eggs per year and are easy to care for.
9. Bantam Sussex Hybrid
Bantam Sussex Hybrids are small-sized breeds that lay around 200 eggs per year.
They are docile and easy to handle, making them a good choice for beginners.
They are also hardy and can tolerate cold weather well.
10. Leghorns
Leghorns are a popular breed among backyard chicken keepers, well-known for their prolific egg-laying abilities.
These chickens are small and lightweight, making them an excellent choice for those who don’t have a lot of space.
Leghorns can lay up to 320 large, white eggs per year, and they begin laying at around 5 months of age.
They are also known for being highly active and spirited, so be sure to provide them with plenty of space to roam and forage.
11. Bantam Brahma
The Bantam Brahma is a smaller version of the standard Brahma breed.
These chickens are fluffy and adorable, known for their sweet personalities.
While they may not lay as many eggs as some other breeds, they are still excellent layers, producing around 100-120 large brown eggs per year.
Bantam Brahmas are also known for being cold-hardy, making them an ideal breed for those living in cooler climates.
12. Australorp 
Australorps are a popular breed among chicken keepers, prized for their friendly personalities and excellent egg-laying abilities.
These chickens are medium-sized and lay large, brown eggs that are sought after by many.
They can lay up to 250-300 eggs per year, making them perfect for those who want a regular supply of fresh eggs.
Australorps also tend to be calm and docile, making them an ideal choice for families with children or those who want a chicken that is easy to handle.
13. New Hampshire Red
New Hampshire Reds are a popular chicken breed for their hardiness and friendly nature.
They are also excellent egg layers, giving you large brown eggs consistently.
These chickens are adaptable, having been developed in the cold climates of the Northeast.
But they can also do well in different climates, making them suitable for beginners who live in various regions.
They love to forage and enjoy free-ranging, but they can also adapt well to confinement.
If you’re looking for a friendly breed that’s easy to manage and has an excellent egg production rate, New Hampshire Reds could be the perfect breed for you.
14. Plymouth Rock Bantam
Plymouth Rock Bantams are good egg layers, producing medium-sized brown eggs.
They are quite easy to tame, making them ideal for beginners who are new to handling chickens.
They have a docile nature and are comfortable around people, allowing for easy management.
Plymouth Rock Bantams are also quite hardy, which makes them adaptable to different environments.
15. Red Sex Link
Red Sex Links are a hybrid breed that produces delicious large brown eggs.
They are well-known for their excellent feed-to-egg conversion, which means they are quite efficient in terms of the amount of food they consume and the number of eggs they produce.
Red Sex Links are friendly and easy to manage, making them ideal for beginners.
They are also quite adaptable and can thrive in different environments, making them perfect for urban and rural backyard chicken coops.
16. Delaware
Delaware chickens are renowned for their beauty and excellent egg-laying ability.
They give you large brown eggs, making them perfect for families who love to cook and bake.
What’s great about Delaware chickens is that they are quite low-maintenance birds, making them an ideal choice for busy families.
They are friendly, gentle, and love to forage, making them suitable for free-range or confined settings.
Quick Tips for Raising Egg-Laying Chicken Breeds
Raising chickens can be a fun and rewarding experience, and with a few quick tips, you can maximize your production and get the most out of your flock.
From proper diet and nutrition to housing and hygiene, here are a few tips to help you raise happy and healthy egg-laying chickens – no matter which breed you choose.
Provide the Right Kind of Diet
The key to maximizing egg production in your chickens is ensuring they receive a proper diet and adequate nutrition.
A diet rich in protein and calcium is important for laying hens, and you can achieve this by feeding your chickens high-quality layer pellets or crumbles.
These feeds are specially formulated to meet the dietary needs of laying hens and are available in most feed stores.
Invest in Regular Health Checks
Regular health checks and preventative measures go a long way in keeping your chickens healthy and productive.
Make sure to deworm your chickens regularly and keep an eye out for any signs of illness or disease, such as lethargy or abnormal droppings.
Collect Eggs Regularly
Egg production is at its highest in the morning, and it’s important to collect your eggs daily to prevent them from getting dirty or broken.
Proper storage of your eggs is important to maintain their freshness and quality.
Store them in a cool and dry place, and don’t wash them until you’re ready to use them.
Washing can damage the protective layer on the shell and allow harmful bacteria to enter the egg.
Let the Light Shine In
Another important factor in maximizing egg production is providing ample sunlight.
Chickens need at least 14 hours of daylight to stimulate egg production, so make sure to provide plenty of natural light or invest in a specially designed light or lamp to provide the necessary light.
Also, make sure that your chickens have access to fresh water at all times to prevent dehydration and promote good health.
Egg-Laying Chicken Breeds For Beginners: Before You Go…
There you have it—our top egg-laying chicken breeds for beginners!
Remember, these breeds are known for being easy to care for and for laying a significant amount of eggs yearly.
Choosing the right breed is crucial to ensuring your success as a chicken keeper, so do your research and choose wisely.
With some basic knowledge and a little patience, raising chickens can be a fun and rewarding experience for the whole family.
Good luck!
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