Starting a homestead can be an incredibly rewarding experience, especially when it comes to raising chickens. For beginners, choosing the right breed of egg-laying chickens is crucial to ensure a productive and enjoyable experience. Here, I’ll review what I think are the top five best egg laying chicken breeds that are perfect for new homesteaders.
The White Leghorn is a classic choice for beginners due to its prolific egg-laying abilities and hardiness. They thrive in various environments and are relatively low-maintenance.
These chickens are known for producing large white eggs and can lay up to 300 eggs per year!
Moreover, they are energetic and excellent foragers, which helps keep feed costs down.
Rhode Island Reds are famous for their friendly disposition and adaptability, making them a favorite among beginner homesteaders. Their hardiness also allows them to handle various climates well.
They are excellent layers, producing around 250 to 300 eggs annually.
Additionally, they have a calm temperament, making them easy to manage and handle, especially for families with children.
Plymouth Rocks are a delightful addition to any homestead. Known for their striking striped feathers, they are not just pretty to look at but also dependable egg layers.
This breed typically lays around 200 to 250 medium-sized brown eggs per year.
They are friendly and social birds, making them great for backyard flocks. Their docile nature makes handling them a breeze, perfect for newcomers to chicken-keeping.
Australorps are an excellent choice for beginners looking for a productive layer with a calm temperament. They are hardy birds that do well in diverse climates and are known to adapt easily to their environment.
Originating from Australia, this breed is known for its exceptional laying capabilities, averaging around 250 to 300 large brown eggs each year.
Additionally, Australorps are friendly and can be easily integrated into a homestead setting.
Orpington chickens, particularly the Black Orpington, are admired for their gentle disposition and beautiful feathers.
They lay about 200 to 280 medium to large brown eggs annually. Their friendly nature makes them a great choice for families, and they are known to be good with children.
Orpingtons are also quite hardy, managing colder climates well, which adds to their appeal for beginner homesteaders.
When starting your egg-laying chicken journey, selecting the right breed can set the foundation for a successful homesteading experience.
The breeds mentioned above—White Leghorn, Rhode Island Red, Plymouth Rock, Australorp, and Orpington—are all excellent choices for beginners. They are not only prolific layers but also friendly, adaptable, and relatively easy to care for.
As a new homesteader, take the time to research and choose the right breed that suits your lifestyle and needs. Make sure you check out my guide to raising baby chicks as you start on your new homesteading journey.
With the right chickens, you’ll soon be enjoying fresh, homegrown eggs while creating lasting memories with your feathered friends.
Happy chicken raising!
XOXO,
RELATED POSTS:
Thanks for visiting my little piece of the internet!
I’m Maria, a lover of furry things, coffee and anything creative. This blog is where I love to share affordable home decor ideas, great DIYs, yummy recipes, unique crafts and so much more.
ETSY SHOP
RECENT POSTS
Be the first to know about new projects & updates with monthly recaps delivered straight to your inbox.
