Best Egg Laying Chickens: Top Breeds For Reliable Egg Production
Keeping hens for eggs is one of the most rewarding parts of chicken keeping. One of the very first things I learnt was how much tastier my hens’ eggs were compared to those from the supermarket. But not all chickens are equal when it comes to laying. Some produce a reliable stream of large, tasty eggs almost every day, while others lay less frequently, go broody more often, or stop laying altogether in winter. In this post, we’ll explore the best egg laying chickens for UK back gardens, looking at both prolific hybrid layers and productive pure breeds. In addition, I’ll also offer tips on how to choose the right breed for your flock.
Hybrids vs pure breeds: What’s the difference?
Hybrid hens, such as the ISA Brown or Warren, are bred specifically for high egg production. They’re usually friendly, medium-sized, and can lay upwards of 300 eggs per year. However, their peak laying years are shorter, and they may slow down earlier in life.
Pure breeds, like the Australorp or Leghorn, tend to have more variable laying patterns. While many still produce well, they’re often chosen for looks, personality or heritage value as much as for egg count. They also tend to lay for more years, even if a little less often.
The best egg laying chickens UK
Here are some of the most prolific egg layers available to UK keepers. I’ve included both hybrids and heritage breeds to suit different needs and preferences.
1. ISA Brown (also known as ISA Warren)
Eggs per year: 300–320
Egg type: Brown
Start laying: Around 16–18 weeks
Best for: Beginners, consistent output
ISA Browns are commercial hybrids known for laying nearly every day during their prime. They’re friendly, hardy and ideal for those who want a reliable supply of brown eggs.
2. Warren (also sold as Goldline or Lohmann Brown Classic)
Eggs per year: 300–320
Egg type: Brown
Start laying: Around 18 weeks
Best for: Consistent laying, backyard flocks
Warrens are a staple in UK flocks. They’re calm, productive and easy to manage, making them one of the best choices for small-scale egg production.
3. Hy-Line Brown
Eggs per year: 300–320
Egg type: Brown
Start laying: 18–20 weeks
Best for: High productivity, friendly nature
This hybrid is widely used in the egg industry for its reliability. They thrive in backyard setups and produce consistently for the first two to three years.
4. Leghorn (including Silver Duckwing Leghorn)
Eggs per year: 280–320
Egg type: White
Start laying: 18–22 weeks
Best for: High output, white egg lovers
Leghorns are slightly more active than hybrids, but they’re unmatched among pure breeds for their laying rate. They’re a good option if you want visual contrast in your egg basket.
5. Lohmann Brown
Eggs per year: 280–320
Egg type: Brown
Start laying: Around 18 weeks
Best for: Backyard efficiency
Closely related to Warrens, these hybrids are hardy and prolific. They adapt well to different climates and lay steadily with minimal fuss.
6. Black Rock
Eggs per year: 280–300
Egg type: Brown
Start laying: Around 20 weeks
Best for: Hardy flocks, all-weather laying
Black Rocks are resilient hybrids with a reputation for consistency, even in cold or wet weather. They have attractive plumage and a placid temperament.
7. Australorp
Eggs per year: 250–300
Egg type: Brown
Start laying: 20–22 weeks
Best for: Calm flocks, traditional keepers
Australorps are large, gentle birds with excellent laying records among pure breeds. They’re a great long-term addition to family flocks.
8. Gingernut Ranger
Eggs per year: 270–320
Egg type: Brown
Start laying: Around 18–20 weeks
Best for: Families, beginners
A friendly hybrid derived from Rhode Island Reds and Light Sussex. They’re approachable, good foragers and regular layers.
Best egg laying chickens UK – a breed comparison table
Here’s a quick-reference table comparing popular laying breeds that can lay more than 200 eggs a year, by type, egg yield and eggshell colour:
| Breed | Type | Typical Yield | Egg Colour |
|---|---|---|---|
| Warren (Brown Nick, Goldline) | Hybrid | 300–320/year | Brown |
| ISA Brown (ISA Warren) | Hybrid | Up to 320/year | Brown |
| Gingernut Ranger (GNR) | Hybrid | ~300/year | Brown |
| Lohmann Brown | Hybrid | 280–320/year | Brown |
| Calder Ranger (Blacktail) | Hybrid | 270–310/year | Brown |
| Amberlink (Amber Star) | Hybrid | 270–310/year | Brown |
| Blue Ranger (Blue bell, Blue Haze) | Hybrid | 260–280/year | Brown |
| Speckledy (Speckled Ranger) | Hybrid | 250–300/year | Brown |
| Leghorn (White Leghorn, Silver Duckwing Leghorn) | Pure breed | 280–320/year | White |
| Australorp | Pure breed | 250–300/year | Brown |
| Light Sussex (Sussex) | Pure breed | 240–270/year | Cream/Brown |
| Rhode Island Red (RIR) | Pure breed | 220–260/year | Brown |
| Marans (French Marans) | Pure breed | ~220/year | Dark Brown |
| Plymouth Rock (Barred Rock) | Pure breed | 200–250/year | Light Brown |
| Cream Legbar (CLB) | Hybrid | 190–250/year | Blue/Green |
| Ancona | Pure breed | ~230/year | White |
| Araucana | Pure breed | 160–200/year | Blue/Green |
| Barnevelder | Pure breed | ~180/year | Dark Brown |
| Buff Orpington (Orpington) | Pure breed | 160–220/year | Brown |
| Hamburg (Spangled Hamburg) | Pure breed | ~200/year | White |
| Dutch Bantam | Pure breed | 150–200/year | White |
What to consider when choosing egg laying breeds
Besides egg count, there are several other factors worth thinking about when choosing your flock:
- Eggshell colour: White, brown, cream, blue or even green. Some keepers enjoy a colourful egg box.
- Size and temperament: Some breeds are flighty or noisy, others are calm and family-friendly.
- Cold weather laying: Hybrids often lay through winter, while some pure breeds stop when days get short.
- Space requirements: Larger hens like Orpingtons need more space, while bantams suit small gardens.
- Egg size: Larger breeds often lay bigger eggs, but not always in greater quantity.
- Local availability: Check with breeders, farm shops or rehoming centres to see what breeds are on offer near you.
Sometimes hens will stop laying eggs, this can be for various reasons, some natural, some that need attention. For more information, read Why Do Chickens Stop Laying Eggs?
Spare a thought for commercial egg layers
If you have a bit of spare time, check out this page on the way eggs are produced commercially, from the Compassion in World Farming (CIWF) website. The welfare of all hens is important.
Final thoughts
When it comes to choosing the best egg laying chickens for your back garden, it pays to consider more than just egg numbers. While hybrids like Warrens and ISA Browns are hard to beat for sheer productivity, traditional pure breeds such as Leghorns, Australorps or Sussex can offer a better balance of personality, longevity and resilience. Think about whether you want daily eggs, friendly hens, or a colourful egg basket, and choose breeds that match your goals. Whichever you pick, healthy hens and good care will always make the biggest difference to how many eggs you collect.
Kevin O’Hara got his first chickens back in 1972. A backyard chicken keeper based in Yorkshire, he created of KeepingChickens.uk back in 2012. With years of hands-on experience, he shares practical, UK-specific advice to help others care for happy, healthy hens. Learn more about Kevin on the author page.
