Choosing a high-production laying breed

If eggs are the main reason you keep chickens, breed choice makes a big difference. Some breeds lay most days during their peak. Others lay a few eggs a week and take long breaks. Here is how to pick among the top layers and what to expect over their lives.

Hybrids versus heritage layers

Production hybrids such as the ISA Brown and other red sex links are bred to lay heavily. They often start young and lay very well for their first year or two. After that, laying often drops off, and some lines are prone to reproductive problems because of how hard they work.

Heritage layers like the Rhode Island Red and Australorp lay slightly fewer eggs at peak but often keep laying for more years. They are also more likely to breed naturally if you want to hatch. The white egg Leghorn is one of the most efficient layers of all, though it is more flighty.

Choose by your setup

• Maximum eggs, small flock. Two or three sex link hybrids.
• Long-term flock. Heritage layers that keep producing into later years.
• White eggs and a lean feed bill. Leghorns, if you can handle an active bird.
• Cold winters. Australorps and Rhode Island Reds cope well.

Mixing top layers

Sex links and Rhode Island Reds can be assertive, so they tend to rise to the top of the pecking order. Mixing them with very gentle breeds can leave the gentle ones bullied. Pair strong layers with other confident birds, or give plenty of space and extra feeders. Mixing breeds also lets you track who is laying, which helps when you need to spot a hen that stopped.

Pitfalls with heavy layers

• Not enough calcium. Heavy layers need a layer feed plus free-choice oyster shell.
• Expecting eggs forever. Plan what you will do when hens slow down.
• Ignoring the molt. Even top layers stop for a while each year.
• Pushing with light. Extra winter light boosts laying, but some keepers prefer to give hens a rest.

The egg predictor can estimate your flock's output by breed and season.

Common questions about egg-laying breeds

How many eggs does a good layer give per year?

Top layers can lay most days at their peak. Actual numbers depend on breed, age, light and health.

At what age do hens stop laying?

Hens slow down gradually rather than stopping all at once. Production usually drops noticeably after the first two or three years.

Why did my good layer suddenly stop?

Molting, short days, stress, broodiness or illness are the usual causes. Check her health if there is no clear reason.