10 Best Laying Chicken Breeds For Beginners
Are you interested in having your own backyard chicken flock? If so, we’ve got you covered with a list of the top 10 chicken breeds for beginners. From the friendly and adaptable Plymouth Rocks to the charming Silkies, we’ll explore each breed’s unique characteristics, temperament, and egg-laying abilities, helping you make an informed decision on how to pick the perfect feathered companions for your backyard.
Characteristics of chicken breeds for beginners
If you’re planning to start your own chicken flock, it’s important to research and choose the best breed(s) that suits your needs. When picking the best chicken breeds for beginners, there are a few factors you should consider.
Temperament
When considering backyard chickens for the first time, it’s important to choose a breed that is known for being docile and friendly, especially if you have children or want a more hands-on relationship with your chickens.
Egg Production
It’s important to consider a chicken breed’s egg-laying capabilities, including the number of eggs produced and how long it takes to start laying. Some chickens might lay as little as 100 eggs per year, while others can produce over 300. Knowing what your family’s needs are can help you pick the perfect chicken breed.
Size And Adaptability
Consider the available space size before picking out a chicken breed. Do you have room for them to free-range, or will they be in a run? For smaller areas, it would be better to select a smaller breed or ones that can adapt to smaller spaces, such as Easter Eggers.
To learn about how many chickens you can fit in your coop, check out our article “How Many Chickens Should You Have?“
Cold or Heat Tolerance
It’s important to consider your local climate when choosing chicken breeds. Certain breeds like the Plymouth Rocks are better suited for colder climates while others like Leghorns are more heat-tolerant.
Maintenance Needs
Some chickens, such as Cochins and Silkies, may need extra care, while simpler breeds, such as Rhode Island Reds, are low-maintenance. Consider grooming requirements and if you have time for regular maintenance.
Dual Purpose Or Specialized
Decide if you want chickens for meat, eggs, or both. Dual-purpose breeds like Rhode Island Reds provide a balanced approach, while others are specialized for specific purposes. For the purposes of this article, the top 10 chicken breeds are either dual-purpose or egg-laying hens.
Local Availability
Find out which chicken breeds will thrive in your area! Connect with local breeders and get their insider knowledge on the best breeds for your region.
10 Best Laying Chicken Breeds For Beginners
- Plymouth Rock (Barred Rock)
- Rhode Island Reds
- Orpingtons
- Ameraucanas
- Easter Eggers
- Sussex
- Australorps
- Silkies
- Bantams
- ISA Brown
1. Plymouth Rock (Barred Rock)
Plymouth Rocks, often referred to as Barred Rocks, are a reliable and friendly choice for chicken owners. Their adaptability, friendly nature, and excellent egg production make them the perfect addition to any backyard flock, particularly for those just starting their poultry-keeping journey.
Advantages Of Plymouth Rocks
Some advantages of raising Plymouth Rocks include the following:
Adaptability and Hardy Nature
Plymouth Rocks are known for their hardiness and ability to adapt to various climates. They are incredibly cold-hardy and can live in any climate, which makes them a popular choice for backyard flock owners and farms.
Friendly Towards Humans & Animals
One of the standout features of Plymouth Rocks is their calm and friendly temperament. These chickens are known to be quite docile and enjoy being around people, making them an excellent choice for families and those new to raising poultry.
Excellent Egg Production
For beginners eager to enjoy a regular supply of fresh eggs, Plymouth Rocks delivers. These chickens are prolific layers, consistently producing around 280 brown eggs per year. Their reliable egg-laying abilities make them a practical choice for those starting their backyard flock primarily for egg production.
Easy Maintenance and Care
Plymouth Rocks are straightforward to care for. Their low-maintenance nature means you won’t find yourself overwhelmed with complicated care routines. As long as they have proper shelter, food, and water, these chickens thrive with minimal fuss.
Disadvantages Of Plymouth Rocks
While Plymouth Rocks are all around easy to maintain egg layers, there are some disadvantages you should consider before getting them.
Space Requirements
Since Plymouth Rocks are a larger breed, they will need more space than smaller ones, such as Silkies and Batams. Because of this, you’ll need to make sure the coop does not get overcrowded, and they have an outdoor space to roam (whether free-range or in a run).
Initial Shyness
Some Plymouth Rocks can be initially shy or timid. While their friendly nature eventually shines through, beginners seeking immediately sociable chickens might need to be patient during the initial adjustment period. They also tend to be lower on the pecking order due to their docile and sometimes shy personalities.
2. Rhode Island Reds
If you’re a beginner seeking a straightforward and productive addition to your backyard, Rhode Island Reds fit the bill. Their ability to adapt, consistent egg-laying, and low-maintenance requirements make them a practical choice for those taking their first steps into poultry keeping.
Advantages Of Rhode Island Reds
Some advantages of raising Rhode Island Reds include the following:
Hardiness and Adaptability
Rhode Island Reds are known for their robust nature, making them an excellent choice for novice chicken keepers. They can withstand various climates, making them adaptable to different regions. Whether you’re dealing with chilly winters or hot summers, Rhode Island Reds are up for the challenge.
Consistent Egg Production
One of the primary reasons beginners favour Rhode Island Reds is their consistent egg-laying. These hens will provide a steady supply for your household, laying around 270 large brown eggs per year.
Low-Maintenance Companions
Rhode Island Reds are low-maintenance birds, requiring minimal attention compared to some other breeds. Their hardy constitution means they can thrive with basic care, making them an ideal choice for beginners who are still getting the hang of poultry management.
Disadvantages Of Rhode Island Reds
While Rhode Island Reds are generally a great choice for beginners, there are a few potential disadvantages to consider:
Dominant Behavior
Rhode Island Reds can exhibit aggressive behaviour, especially among themselves. In a flock, they tend to be higher in the pecking order. While not mean chickens, they tend to pick on docile birds, which can lead to bullying and feather pecking.
Not Ideal for Confined Spaces
Due to their assertiveness, place in pecking orders, active nature and need for space, Rhode Island Reds do not do the best in confined spaces. Now, that’s not to say if you have a smaller coop, you should not get them. Just be sure the coop is not overly crowded, as they can easily become stressed out.
Space Requirements
These birds are active foragers, and they do best when they have plenty of space to roam. Beginners with limited backyard space might find that Rhode Island Reds need more room compared to some other breeds.
3. Orpingtons
Orpington chickens offer a perfect blend of friendly demeanour, cold hardiness, and consistent egg production, making them an excellent choice for beginner chicken owners.
Advantages Of Orpingtons
Here are some benefits of raising Orpingtons:
Gentle Giants of the Coop
Orpington chickens are renowned for their docile nature, making them ideal for beginners seeking friendly, easygoing companions. These gentle giants are known to tolerate handling and cuddling, making them a favourite among families.
Cold-Hardy Companions
If you live in a colder climate, Orpingtons are a great choice due to their fluffy feathers that provide insulation, keeping them comfortable.
Consistent Egg Production
Orpingtons are reliable layers, contributing to a steady egg supply. Laying between 200-290 large light brown eggs per year, these chickens will be able to provide enough eggs for your entire household.
Disadvantages Of Orpingtons
While Orpingtons are great family-friendly backyard hens, there are a few disadvantages to consider.
Potential Broodiness
Orpingtons are known to have natural broody tendencies. You should be prepared for this and decide whether they want to encourage or discourage broodiness based on their flock’s needs. This could be a benefit if you are looking to incubate and hatch eggs.
Space Requirements
Due to their larger size, it is important to make sure the coop has ample space for Orpingtons to move and roost comfortably.
4. Ameraucanas
Ameraucanas bring a unique blend of striking appearance, colourful eggs, and a friendly demeanour to your flock. While they do not lay the most eggs compared to other breeds on this list, they have big personalities and make for a fun and loveable backyard hen!
Advantages Of Ameraucanas
If you’re considering raising Ameraucanas, there are several benefits that you should keep in mind.
Distinctive Appearance
Ameraucanas are known for their striking appearance. They have soft feathers with a puffy beard and muffs. This gives them a distinctive charm.
Blue-Green Eggs
One of Ameraucanas’ standout features is their ability to lay eggs in varying shades of blue and green, adding visual appeal and colour to your egg cartons.
Friendly Disposition
Ameraucanas have a calm and friendly temperament, making them an excellent choice for beginners looking for easygoing companions. They are also quite goofy and get up to silly antics. Our Ameraucanas are our favourites because they have the most personality out of the flock.
Disadvantages Of Ameraucanas
Although Ameraucanas are fun and great backyard chicken for beginners, there are some factors you should consider.
Space for Foraging
Ameraucanas love foraging. It is important to ensure they have access to a spacious outdoor area for scratching and exploring.
Slow Egg Production
Ameraucanas are slower to start egg production than most other breeds. However, once they do start laying, the beautifully coloured eggs are well worth the wait! Additionally, they only lay around 200 eggs per year, which is less than others on the list.
Weather Sensitivity
While Ameraucanas are partially cold-hardy due to their pea combs and smaller wattles, extreme weather can be an issue. Be sure to provide adequate shelter to keep your Ameraucanas comfortable.
Broodiness Potential
Some Ameraucanas will go broody. They make for attentive mothers if you want to hatch eggs. This can be an advantage and disadvantage, depending on what you are looking for.
5. Easter Eggers
Easter Egger chickens are a delightful addition to any backyard flock. Their colourful eggs, friendly demeanour, and adaptability make them an excellent choice for beginners.
Advantages Of Easter Eggers
Raising Easter Eggers has several benefits, including:
Beautiful Egg Colors
One of the many reasons people love Easter Eggers is because they lay eggs in various hues such as blue, green and pink. It is always a fun surprise to see which colour eggs your Easter Egger will lay. They are great layers, producing around 280 eggs per year.
Hardy and Low-Maintenance
These chickens are robust and resilient, making them suitable for beginners. They require minimal maintenance and adapt well to various climates.
Friendly Dispositions
Easter Eggers are known for their friendly nature. They often become sociable members of the flock, making them enjoyable for families and children.
Adaptability To Spaces
Ideal for backyard setups, Easter Eggers adapt well to limited space. However, providing a coop with room for exploration and free-ranging time is always beneficial.
Varied Personalities
Each Easter Egger has a distinct personality. Some may be outgoing, while others can be more reserved. Observing them can help you understand their unique personalities and help you to bond with them.
Disadvantages Of Easter Eggers
Easter Eggers are a great choice for backyard chicken enthusiasts who are new to raising chickens. However, it is important to consider a few factors before getting started.
Egg-Laying Variability
The egg colours can vary, but some Easter Eggers may not consistently lay the vibrant eggs they’re known for. Beginners might find this unpredictability surprising.
Distinct Personalities
While their varied personalities add charm, it can make them less predictable. Beginners may find it challenging to understand and manage each chicken’s unique traits.
6. Sussex
Sussex chickens bring reliability, simplicity, and productivity to your backyard flock. With their adaptable nature, excellent egg production, and varied colour options, Sussex chickens are an excellent choice for beginners seeking easygoing and high egg-producing hens.
Advantages Of Sussex
Here are a few reasons why Sussex are great backyard hens:
Adaptable and Easygoing Nature
Sussex chickens are well-known for their adaptability and easygoing temperament, making them ideal for beginners. They are naturally docile, friendly, attentive and thrive on social interactions. Spending time with your Sussex flock enhances their well-being and happiness.
Diverse Color Varieties
Sussex chickens come in a variety of colours, such as white, red, and speckled, which can add visual diversity to any flock.
Excellent Egg Layers
Sussex hens are prolific layers, consistently providing a steady supply of 200-250 light brown eggs per year. Their consistent egg production makes them valuable for those interested in a reliable source of fresh eggs
Hardy And Duel Purpose
Sussex chickens are hardy birds. They adapt well to various climates and are known for their ability to withstand different weather conditions. They also have a dual-purpose nature, being suitable for both egg production and meat.
Disadvantages Of Sussex
It is important to note that even though Sussex chickens are generally recommended for beginners, there are some drawbacks to consider.
Space Requirements
Sussex chickens enjoy foraging and free-ranging. Beginners with limited outdoor space may find it challenging to provide an ideal environment unless you have a backyard space or a larger chicken run.
Social Nature
Sussex chickens thrive on social interactions. If you’re unable to spend enough time with your flock, they may become stressed or less friendly.
7. Australorps
Australorp stands out as a beginner-friendly breed, offering a winning combination of gentle temperament, high egg production, and adaptability. Australorps are the perfect way to level out flocks and pecking order as they bring a sense of calmness with their gentle nature.
Advantages Of Australorps
There are many reasons why Australorps make for great laying hens for beginners. Here are a few reasons why you should add them to your flocks.
Friendly And Social
Australorps are known for being friendly, social and docile chickens. They have calm and gentle temperaments, which can make them easier to handle, especially for beginners or families with children. Australorps are also known for their intelligence and adaptability.
Egg Production
These chickens hold a world record for egg-laying, making them a practical choice for beginners seeking a consistent supply of fresh eggs. You can expect them to lay anywhere between 250-300 large brown eggs per year.
Adaptability
Australorps adapt well to various climates and are quite hardy, making them great birds for cold and warm areas.
Disadvantages Of Australorps
While Australorps make excellent choices for many beginners, it’s important to consider potential challenges to ensure a positive chicken-keeping experience.
Potential Broodiness
Some Australorps may occasionally exhibit broody behaviour. You should be prepared for this natural instinct and have strategies to manage it.
Space Requirements
These chickens benefit from ample space due to their active nature and big stature. Though Australorps can adjust to confined spaces, they will be much happier with space to forage and free-range.
8. Silkies
Silkie Chickens are known for their fluffy appearance and friendly behaviour. Whether you’re drawn to their fluffy charm or seeking a family-friendly addition, Silkies are sure to be a family favourite.
Advantages Of Silkies
Silkies are a great option for beginners for numerous reasons, including the following:
Appearance And Temperament
Silkies stand out with their soft, fur-like feathers, making them a favourite among chicken enthusiasts. Their friendly nature makes them ideal companions for families and individuals alike.
Adaptable To Spaces
Silkies are quite adaptable to small spaces, making them ideal for urban settings. Ensure the coop is secure and draft-free, as their feathering makes them more susceptible to cold temperatures.
Disadvantages Of Silkies
Silkies are beautiful and loveable chickens, but there are a few things to consider before bringing these fluffy feathered hens home.
Broodiness & Limited Egg Production
Silkies are notorious for their strong broodiness. While this maternal instinct can be endearing, it may lead to reduced egg production, posing a challenge for those looking for consistent egg yields. They tend to lay around 100-120 small eggs per year. This naturally lower egg-laying frequency could be a disadvantage for those seeking a more prolific layer.
Feather Maintenance
The unique fluffy feathers that make Silkies charming also require extra attention. Regular grooming around the eyes is necessary to prevent visibility issues and ensure the bird’s overall well-being.
Vulnerability to Cold Weather
Silkies are more susceptible to cold temperatures, making them not the best for cold climates. It’s important to provide secure, draft-free housing and take extra precautions during chilly seasons.
9. Bantams
Bantam chickens can be wonderful for beginners. Although they are much smaller than other backyard hens, they can be incredibly friendly and produce beautiful small eggs.
Advantages Of Bantams
Here are a few reasons why you might consider Bantam chickens for your backyard flock.
Size and Space
Bantam chickens are smaller in size compared to standard breeds, making them well-suited for those with limited space. They thrive in urban or small backyard environments where larger chickens may struggle.
Personality
Bantams are known for their friendly and docile personalities. They are easier to handle, making them great companions, especially for families with children.
Variety
There is a wide variety of Bantam breeds available, each with its unique characteristics. This variety allows beginners to choose from different colours, patterns, and feather types, adding aesthetic appeal to the flock.
Disadvantages Of Bantams
There are a few factors to consider before getting Bantam chickens.
Egg Size
While Bantams lay eggs regularly, the eggs are smaller compared to those of standard-sized chickens. If your primary goal is egg production, this might be a drawback. However, for smaller households or those not solely reliant on egg production, this might not be a significant issue.
Broodiness
Bantams are notorious for going broody. While this can be an advantage if you’re interested in raising chicks, it can disrupt regular egg-laying cycles.
Often Bullied
If you mix Bantams with larger hen breeds, there is a strong chance of them getting bullied due to their small stature. This is something to consider and keep an eye on if you plan to mix multiple breeds together.
10. ISA Brown
ISA Browns stand out as an excellent choice for beginners. Their friendly disposition, prolific egg-laying, and adaptability make them a valuable addition to any backyard flock.
Advantages Of ISA Brown
There are several benefits of raising ISA Brown hens, such as:
Excellent Egg Production
ISA Browns excel in consistent egg production, laying around 300-350 large brown eggs annually. If you are seeking a steady egg supply, this breed is a great choice!
Docile And Loving
These chickens are incredibly friendly and get along great with people, making for great family-friendly pets. They are docile in nature, making them easy to handle. In addition, they do not get stressed out or spooked easily.
Adaptable
ISA Browns adapt well to various climates, showcasing hardiness. Beginners can confidently raise these chickens, knowing they can withstand diverse environmental conditions.
Not Usually Broody
ISA Browns are not typically broody, but in the right conditions, they can become broody. If they do, ISA Browns will make for great mothers. However, it is very rare for them to become broody.
Disadvantages Of ISA Brown
Life Expectancy
ISA Browns may have a shorter lifespan compared to other breeds, and their egg-laying productivity might decline after a few years. You should be prepared for this natural cycle in life and know that they may not live as long.
