Are you thinking of starting a backyard flock to enjoy farm-fresh eggs every morning? Choosing the best laying hens for eggs is the first and most important step. Whether you are a beginner or someone expanding your poultry setup, selecting the right breeds will ensure a steady supply of high-quality eggs throughout the year. Many people turn to trusted poultry sellers like Ayla Backyard Poultry when looking for healthy, productive hens that are well-suited for both small and large flocks.



This complete guide will walk you through the top egg-laying breeds, their qualities, how many eggs to expect, and tips on how to care for them. We'll keep everything simple, easy to read, and packed with real-life advice.



Why Choosing the Right Laying Hen Breed Matters

All chickens can lay eggs, but not all chickens are great at it. Some breeds are bred for meat, some for show, and others for their beautiful feathers. If your goal is to enjoy eggs daily, then your focus should be on hens that are known for excellent egg production.



When choosing the best laying hens for eggs, you want birds that:



Lay frequently and consistently



Are easy to manage



Thrive in your climate



Have a friendly personality



Produce high-quality eggs



Different breeds offer different advantages, so let’s explore the best options available today.



Top 7 Best Laying Hens for Eggs in 2025

Here are the most popular and reliable egg-laying chicken breeds you can raise in your backyard this year:



1. ISA Brown

Eggs per Year: 300–320



Egg Color: Brown



Temperament: Gentle and friendly



Why It’s Great: ISA Browns are considered one of the most productive hens available. These hybrid chickens are perfect for beginners, families, and small farms. They’re easy to handle, rarely aggressive, and start laying eggs early—often by 18 weeks of age.



2. Rhode Island Red

Eggs per Year: 250–300



Egg Color: Brown



Temperament: Hardy, independent



Why It’s Great: Known for their resilience and ability to adapt to many environments, Rhode Island Reds are ideal for those who live in colder climates. They are dependable layers and require minimal care. These birds can also be good dual-purpose chickens (eggs + meat).



3. Australorp

Eggs per Year: 250–280



Egg Color: Brown



Temperament: Calm, quiet



Why It’s Great: Australorps hold the world record for the most eggs laid by a hen in a year! These calm and graceful chickens are great for urban or quiet backyard settings. Their glossy black feathers also make them quite striking.



4. Leghorn

Eggs per Year: 280–320



Egg Color: White



Temperament: Active, alert



Why It’s Great: If you want large quantities of white eggs, Leghorns are your best choice. They're highly efficient layers and known for their ability to keep producing in various climates. However, they can be flighty and aren’t as cuddly as other breeds.



5. Golden Comet

Eggs per Year: 280–300



Egg Color: Brown



Temperament: Sweet and friendly



Why It’s Great: Golden Comets are a hybrid breed known for their early and frequent laying. They are great for families with children due to their social nature. Plus, they don’t eat as much as some of the larger breeds, which can help you save on feed.



6. Sussex

Eggs per Year: 250–280



Egg Color: Light brown to tinted



Temperament: Curious and gentle



Why It’s Great: The Sussex is a traditional breed with a long history. These hens are beautiful, curious, and easy to handle. They do well in both confined spaces and free-range settings. They also lay well even during winter months.



7. Plymouth Rock

Eggs per Year: 200–250



Egg Color: Brown



Temperament: Friendly, calm



Why It’s Great: Plymouth Rocks are classic American chickens. They’re great with kids and other animals, and their soft, steady laying pattern makes them a solid choice for backyard egg lovers. Their unique barred feather pattern is also a visual bonus.



What to Look For in an Egg-Laying Hen

Before bringing home your new hens, you should know what to look for to ensure you're getting healthy, productive birds. Here are the top qualities:



1. Point-of-Lay Age

Hens usually start laying eggs around 16 to 20 weeks old. If you're buying hens that are already at this stage (called “point-of-lay”), you’ll start getting eggs sooner.



2. Bright Eyes and Glossy Feathers

Healthy hens should look alert, clean, and have shiny, well-kept feathers. Dull or ruffled feathers could mean stress or illness.



3. Active Behavior

Look for hens that walk around confidently and peck curiously at the ground. They should not appear sluggish or shy.



4. Clean Beak and Vent Area

The beak should be clean, and the area under the tail (called the “vent”) should be free of mess or sores.



How Many Hens Should You Get?

Your ideal number of hens depends on how many eggs you want each week. Here's a general guide:



2–3 hens: Great for individuals or couples (around a dozen eggs per week)



4–6 hens: Perfect for families (18–36 eggs per week)



10+ hens: Ideal for those wanting to sell or preserve eggs



Make sure your coop and yard have enough space. Each hen needs about 3–4 square feet inside the coop and 10–12 square feet of outdoor space.



Tips to Keep Your Egg Layers Healthy and Productive

Just having the best hens isn’t enough—you need to care for them properly too. Here’s how:



1. Feed High-Quality Layer Pellets

Layer feed contains the nutrients hens need to produce eggs regularly. It includes calcium for strong eggshells and enough protein to maintain their energy.



2. Provide Fresh Water Daily

Egg-laying requires a lot of hydration. Clean, cool water should always be available.



3. Ensure a Clean, Safe Coop

A clean coop helps prevent diseases and keeps your hens stress-free. Install nesting boxes with soft bedding to encourage consistent egg laying.



4. Allow Roaming or Enriched Environments

Free-ranging or providing toys, dust baths, and treats can keep hens happy and productive.



5. Keep Stress Levels Low

Avoid loud noises, predators, or constant disruptions. A calm environment leads to better egg production.



What Time of Year Is Best for Buying Laying Hens?

Spring and early summer are typically the best times to buy new hens. This is when many hatcheries and online poultry sellers offer the most choices. Plus, the warm weather helps hens adjust more easily.



However, if you're buying point-of-lay hens, they’re usually available year-round through reliable online sellers like Ayla Backyard Poultry. These hens will begin laying soon after they arrive at your home.



Where to Buy the Best Laying Hens for Eggs

Finding a trusted seller is just as important as picking the right breed. Always choose a source that:



Provides clear breed details and expected egg counts



Lists health and vaccination records



Has positive customer reviews



Offers delivery options and guarantees



Online poultry farms like Ayla Backyard Poultry are well-known for offering healthy, high-yield laying hens ready for backyard flocks. Their birds are raised with care and selected for excellent egg-laying genetics.



Common Mistakes to Avoid When Buying Laying Hens

Avoid these beginner mistakes when starting your flock:



Buying too young or too old hens



Overcrowding your coop



Skipping health checks



Feeding scraps instead of quality feed



Buying without researching the breed



Doing a little homework goes a long way toward building a happy, productive flock.



Final Thoughts: Build a Flock You’ll Love

Choosing the best laying hens for eggs will bring daily joy to your household—through fresh eggs, peaceful morning routines, and a stronger connection to your food source. The key is to start with breeds known for their laying power, pick hens that are healthy and well-raised, and care for them with consistency and love.



Whether you're feeding your family or simply enjoying a new hobby, raising hens is one of the most rewarding decisions you can make. Start with trusted sellers like Ayla Backyard Poultry and build your flock with confidence.