An egg is an egg, right? Does it even matter what breed of chicken it comes from? Technically, no. But different breeds produce different colors! Who doesn’t want a rainbow in their egg basket?!
Also, there are some breeds that do better in certain climates. So, let’s take a look at some of the top chickens available.
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The Easter Egger Chicken
Obviously, I’m starting here. Because of the rainbow! Easter eggers are not a specific breed of chicken, but rather a mix breed. And often this is used as a general term for chickens that lay shades of blue and aqua, to green and olive, and even sometimes pinkish.
There are pure breeds that lay these beautiful eggs, like Araucana and Ameraucana. And other specific mix breeds, such as Olive Egger.
These chickens are very cold hardy. However, they don’t lay often during the cold Winter months.
Easter Eggers are also very heat tolerant, and will lay most consistently during the Summer.
Easter Eggers are very friendly, docile birds. Plus, they’re beautiful, and you’ll find them in an array of colors and patterns.
Rhode Island Reds
The tried and true; the Rhode Island Red. This chicken is the top of the list for reliable egg production and hardiness in all climates.
They lay large brown eggs.
Rhode Island Reds tend to be very bossy chickens, and do best when free ranging or kept with their own kind. They will pick on smaller chickens, and can be mean to new additions.
However, if your goal is just year-round fresh eggs, a flock of these girls will get it done.
There are a few variations of this breed. I currently have a few Golden Sexlinks, which is a mix breed of Rhode Island Red and Rhode Island White.
Buff Orpington Chicken
The Orpington is a dual-purpose chicken, bred for both eggs and meat. They lay large brown eggs. This breed I’ve only raised for layers, so I can’t speak to their meat. But for eggs, this is one of the best chickens. They’re both cold and heat hardy. And they lay abundantly.
The Buff Orpington is a gentle, quiet, easy to care for bird. Great for the first-time chicken keeper.
Because of their gentle nature, they don’t do well when kept with more bossy breeds, like the Rhode Island Red. However, they make great flock mates with the next bird on my list…
Black Copper Marans
Y’all. These chickens lay the most beautiful, dark, chocolate brown eggs. And the dark speckles! There’s nothing like them.
Copper Maran hens are very docile, but keep in mind that the roosters are not as laid back. They tend to challenge any and all other roosters, and even people at times.
These chickens do well in all climates, but lay a bit less frequently during the Winter.
The Polish Chicken
Ok, this chicken is definitely not the best egg layer. But hear me out. These girls have amazing personalities, and they are so fun to keep around. That crest of feathers on the top of their head makes them a little funny looking, and their awkwardness is adorable.
Polish chickens lay white eggs. And they don’t tolerate wet weather very well. These do best in warmer climates.
But for the first-time chicken keeper, adding a Polish to your flock is not something you will regret. Trust me.
Bonus Chicken – The Silkie
Alright, I know I said top 5 breeds. But I had to add one more. The Silkie.
These fluffy, sweet, huggable little chickens will make you fall in love. They’re just so cute and squishy! And they love people. They’ll follow you around and “talk” to you, how precious is that? And it’s one of the few breeds that actually like being held.
They lay small, light brown to white eggs. Their fluffy feathers can be shades of gray and tan, to black and white.
Silkies do not tolerate extreme climates, very hot or cold. They’re delicate, and need a little extra care. But worth it, without a doubt.
If you’re ready to get started, check out my how-to post about raising your new chicks here Raising chicks
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For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
John 3:16
