PUREBREED layers: These were the breeds used for egg production before the development of hybrids. Despite being somewhat overshadowed by hybrids at this point, a strong utility strain of purebred should still be able to produce outstanding results.
The best egg outputs, like with hybrids, occur in the first year, but purebred chickens typically lay for longer than hybrids do. Nowadays, many purebreds are developed for exhibition purposes rather than for laying eggs. Over a longer period, some utility pure breeds tend to catch up with egg production and even exceed the hybrid egg-laying capability.
Advantages of pure-breed layers
- They have a better and longer life expectancy compared to the hybrids
- They produce eggs longer than hybrids
- They are less susceptible to issues brought on by intensive laying
- They breed ‘true’ offsprings that resemble their parents
- Some breeds are reliable brooders
- They provide dual purposes; lay eggs and provide meat
- Easier to breed new stock because cockerels are always available
- Egg color can be easily predicted
Disadvantages of pure-breed layers
- It is difficult to predict egg yield
- Might not get vaccinated
- Light breeds can be too flighty
- Heavy breeds may become broody
- Expensive to purchase compared to the hybrids
- Laying declines during winter
- New pulleys do not often lay eggs still spring
Characteristics of light-laying breeds
Light-laying breeds are mainly of Mediterranean origin and are bred to be farmyard foragers. Although they have good flying abilities, they can also be slightly wary about handling. But compared to some more peaceful birds, they are less likely to become broody.
Best egg laying chickens for beginners
Leghorn
- The white leghorn is mostly used to develop hybrids
- Their large combs may need protection from frostbite in extreme temperatures.
- They lay around 300 large white eggs in the first year
- They are good foragers
- They were once considered one of the top hens for egg production
Welsummer
- They are heavy and large light breeds
- They can be used as table birds
- They lay brown eggs with speckles
- They are hardy and able foragers
- They lay a reasonable number of eggs each year
Arucana
- They are known as ‘Easter Egg Chickens’
- They lay pretty blue eggs, sometimes pink if the breed strain isn’t pure. Also, the color can vary from green to khaki
- They are very attractive birds
- They are hardy and good foragers
Cream Legbar
- They have the advantage of autosexing
- They are light medium-sized with soft feathers.
- They are grey with a salmon pink colored breast and a small crest
- They produce blue eggs
Appenzeller Spitzhauben
- They are very pretty birds
- They are energetic birds suited for free-range
- They come in different color varieties
- They are more resilient than they appear
Minorca
- They are large and heavy light breeds
- They lay good-sized white eggs
- They are excellent foragers and best suited for free-range
- They have large combs which may need protection during severe weather conditions.
Characteristics of dual-purpose chickens
Dual-purpose chickens can be fattened for the table and used as competent layers. Historically, modest farms raised these hens to provide eggs and meat.
Rhode Island Red
- They are well-known as prolific layers
- They can be used to develop several hybrids
- They are deep brown and lay mid-brown eggs
- They mature very early
- Good layers provide over 200 eggs in the first year
Barred Plymouth Rock
- They are best suited for free-range
- They have excellent laying abilities
- They are quite docile
- They are colored in black and white stripes
Light Sussex
- They are excellent layers and table birds
- They are white with black tails and feathers
- They can be kept on a pen or free-ranged
- They are very easy to tame
Marans
- They originated from Marans in southwest France
- They lay deep brown eggs with thick shells
- They are very good layers
- They can be kept free-ranged or in pens
- They are fairly foragers and can easily become overweight
Wyandotte
- They have a wide range of attractive colors
- They are excellent layers
- They are generally easy to tame
- They can be kept in pens or live free-range
- They are likely to go broody
