Top Notch Brown Egg-Producing Chicken Varieties
The world of chicken breeding is as diverse as it is fascinating, with each breed offering its own unique traits and characteristics. For those seeking prolific brown egg layers with distinct shell hues, here are some top recommendations.
The Rhode Island Red, a breed renowned for its toughness, adaptability, and reliability, produces approximately 250-300 brown eggs per year. With dark reddish-brown shells, these resilient birds are a favourite among backyard flock owners and small farms alike [1][2].
Another high-producing breed is the Australorp, known as one of the best egg producers globally. Some hens can lay up to 320-364 eggs per year, laying light brown eggs that are hardy and adaptable to various conditions [2].
Plymouth Rocks, or Barred Rocks, are popular backyard chickens due to their attractive barred feathers and ability to lay approximately 200 large brown eggs yearly, often continuing well into winter [4][5].
New Hampshire Reds, close relatives of the Rhode Island Red, produce over 200 brown eggs annually and are dual-purpose birds, suitable for both eggs and meat [3].
The Red Star, or ISA Brown, is a commercial hybrid that is famed for producing 300+ brown eggs per year. Known for their high productivity, they are commonly used in egg farming [3].
Other notable brown egg layers include Rhode Island Reds, Golden Comets, and Black Sexlinks, which produce a nice large, medium brown colored egg. The Wellsummer, a less common breed, lays a large, dark brown egg, sometimes referred to as terracotta in color and sometimes with dark spots. This egg is a more reddish-brown in color than the Marans chocolate [6].
For those seeking a less common yet charming breed, the Penedesenca, developed in Spain, is a dual-purpose bird that lays dark chocolate brown eggs that can sometimes be speckled. Though lesser-known in the US, they are gaining popularity [7]. Silkies, an ancient breed believed to originate in China or Japan, are excellent broodies and lay small cream-colored eggs, with some birds having speckling in their eggs [8].
The Marans, a French chicken breed, is known for its deep chocolate egg color, with the Black Copper and Cuckoo being the most common varieties in the United States. However, only certain Marans breeders have hens that lay deep chocolate eggs, which are hard to find and fairly expensive [9].
For those seeking a truly unique breed, the Serama, the smallest breed of chicken, produces tiny eggs ranging in color from almost white to dark brown [10]. Jersey Giants, big birds developed in New Jersey as an alternative to turkey, lay a large, light to medium brown egg and are calm and make good broodies [11].
Brahmas, big, bold, and beautiful birds known for being sweet-natured, lay a large, light brown egg. They are not the most consistent layers [12].
Remember, providing extra calcium for hens can be done by adding free choice eggshells or oysters shells to a coop [13].
In summary, these breeds offer a range of brown egg colors and excellent laying rates, making them top recommendations for those seeking prolific brown egg layers with distinct shell hues [1][2][3][4].
| Breed | Egg Color | Approx. Eggs per Year | Notes | |-------------------|------------------|----------------------|-------------------------------| | Rhode Island Red | Dark reddish-brown | 250–300 | Tough, adaptable | | Australorp | Light brown | 320–364 | Highly productive, hardy | | Plymouth Rock | Brown | ~200 | Good winter layers | | New Hampshire Red | Brown | 200+ | Dual-purpose (eggs & meat) | | Red Star (ISA Brown) | Brown | 300+ | Commercial high producer | | Rhode Island Reds, Golden Comets, Black Sexlinks | Medium brown | Approx. 250-300 | Consistent egg layers | | Wellsummer | Dark brown, terracotta | Approx. 200 | Unique egg color and pattern | | Penedesenca | Dark chocolate brown, speckled | Approx. 200 | Gaining popularity | | Silkies | Cream-colored, speckled | Approx. 100 | Ancient breed, excellent broodies | | Marans (Black Copper, Cuckoo) | Deep chocolate brown | Varies | Rare and expensive | | Serama | Tiny, various colors | Approx. 150 | The smallest breed of chicken | | Jersey Giants | Large, light to medium brown | Approx. 200 | Calm and good broodies | | Brahma | Large, light brown | Approx. 150 | Big, bold, and beautiful |
[1] https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/rhode-island-red-chicken-breed-profile-1024452/ [2] https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/australorp-chicken-breed-profile-1024460/ [3] https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/new-hampshire-red-chicken-breed-profile-1024457/ [4] https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/plymouth-rock-chicken-breed-profile-1024453/ [5] https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/barred-rock-vs-plymouth-rock/2921076/240 [6] https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/wellsummer-chicken-breed-profile-1024461/ [7] https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/penedesenca-chicken-breed-profile-1024463/ [8] https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/silkie-chicken-breed-profile-1024459/ [9] https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/marans-chicken-breed-profile-1024462/ [10] https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/serama-chicken-breed-profile-1024464/ [11] https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/jersey-giant-chicken-breed-profile-1024465/ [12] https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/brahma-chicken-breed-profile-1024466/ [13] https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/calcium-for-chickens-free-choice-eggshells-oyster-shells-and-grit/4535165/
- If you're interested in expanding your home-and-garden lifestyle to include pets, consider getting chickens as they can provide brown eggs and be a delightful addition to your backyard or farm.
- To furnish your garden with unique decor, consider adding water features such as bird baths or fountains to attract chickens and various bird species, enhancing the aesthetic appeal and creating a peaceful ambiance.
- To further develop your learning in the field of chicken breeding, check out various home-and-garden and education-and-self-development resources online. Such resources may provide in-depth information about different breeds, their care, and overall management, making you a well-informed chicken enthusiast.
