If you’re interested in the best chicken breeds for meat and eggs for commercial egg production, look no further than the top six birds on this list.
Consider a breed with high egg-laying ability, temperament, and how long birds can drop eggs when selecting layers for egg production.
Best egg-laying chickens for beginners
1. Golden Comet
Golden Comet: Golden Comets are a hybrid of Rhode Island Red and White Leghorn chickens, combining the best qualities of both breeds due to their hybrid vigor. They have a charming and gentle temperament, making them ideal for first-time chicken owners. They lay around 300 eggs annually, starting at 15 weeks of production.
2. Rhode Island Red
Rhode Island Red: These reddish-black domestic egg-laying chickens originated in America. They are very friendly and well-suited for beginners. They lay about 250 eggs annually, starting at 18 weeks of production.
3. Barred Plymouth Rock
Barred Plymouth Rock: One of the most popular breeds in the United States, Plymouth Rock chickens are sweet and strongly associated with farm owners. They are easy to handle and lay around 250 eggs annually, starting at 18 weeks of production.
4. White Leghorn
White Leghorn: Loved by many, White Leghorns are egg-laying chickens originating in Tuscany, Italy. They are great foragers and lay about 280 eggs yearly, starting at 16 weeks.
5. ISA Brown
ISA Brown: Developed by the “Institut de Sélection Animale” in 1978, ISA Browns have a pleasant and docile personality, making them calm layers suited for backyard environments. They produce around 280-300 eggs annually, starting by week 18.
6. Sussex chicken
Sussex chicken breed: The Sussex is a dual-purpose chicken raised for meat and eggs. They are calm, confident, and friendly, laying about 250 eggs yearly, starting at 16 weeks.
When do chickens start laying eggs?
Egg-laying chickens must be 7 months old before they start laying eggs. This is because the hormones required for egg production take a few months to develop in their bodies. If you want your chickens to lay hens, follow these steps.
Chickens typically begin laying eggs between the ages of 7 and 8 months. Some breeds, however, can begin producing eggs as early as 5 or 6 months of age.
What are the signs that my chicken is laying?
Her combs, wattles, and face will turn from light pink to brighter red as her hormones change as she prepares to begin producing eggs. They will also enlarge and bulge.
When a chicken starts laying eggs, there are various signals to look for: Over two weeks, the first symptom is a gain in weight and size. The second indication is an increase in comb size over two weeks. Within 2-4 weeks, the look of the vent area (where the excrement comes out) changes from red to pink. Learn How To Become A Contract Poultry Grower
Article Source
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- K H Pets “Best Breed of Laying Hens https://khpet.com/blogs/farm/10-of-the-best-chicken-breeds-for-eggs/.”
- The Hip Chick “Best Egg Laying Chickens for Florida https://thehipchick.com/best-egg-laying-chickens-for-florida/.”
- Types of Chickens “Best egg-laying chickens for Texas https://www.typesofchicken.com/best-chickens-for-texas-humidity/.”
