A review of egg-laying chicken breeds with photos and descriptions

Chicken breeding begins with selecting a breed, which is divided into egg-laying and meat-producing varieties. The name of the breed variety indicates its intended purpose. Let's look at the highest-yielding laying breeds.

General characteristics of egg-laying birds

Highly productive layers offer benefits to both conventional farms and poultry farms. These egg-laying hens stand out from meat breeds for the following characteristics:

1. The body weight of a chicken does not exceed 2-2.5 kilograms.
2. The development of a chick and its transformation into an adult occurs very quickly, this period lasts 120-140 days from birth.
3. The color of the eggs depends on the breed of chicken.
4. On average, a laying hen can produce up to 300 eggs per year.
5. The birds' plumage is well developed.
6. Most often, chickens begin to lay eggs as early as four or five months after birth.
7. Good breeds lay eggs every day and can lay for several days.

Breeds of egg-laying chickens

The top 5 breeds of laying hens include:

1. The High Line breed was developed at a US research center. This low-maintenance, highly productive bird has a calm temperament and a strong immune system. Feed consumption per bird is low. It lays large eggs, weighing up to 60-65 grams, with strong shells. The breed can be identified by its distinctive external features. Breeders have successfully developed brown and white chickens. They share the same characteristics, except for plumage color. They begin laying eggs 120-130 days after birth, weighing up to 1.3-1.5 kilograms. They have a medium-sized, upright (can tilt) red comb. The head is small, the beak is yellow, the neck is not very long, and the body is elongated with a broad back. A chicken can lay 240-340 eggs per year. The most active period occurs six months after birth. Feed consumption is 1-1.5 kilograms per ten eggs.

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• unpretentious in care;
• feed consumption for maintenance is low;
• high productivity, starting from the 6th month from the bird’s birth;
• calm character;
• immunity is high.

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• a short period of active egg-laying, which is 18 months.

High Line chickens (white and brown)

2. The Shaver was developed by Dutch scientists who crossed several of the best laying hens to create a hybrid breed. The researchers succeeded in achieving not only high productivity but also genetic stability and robust health. Based on color, the breed is classified as:
   • "Shaver White" - chickens with white plumage;
   • "Shaver Black" - birds are painted black;
   • Shaver Brown is a brown-feathered layer.

   All other characteristics are identical. The average adult weight does not exceed 2 kilograms. Hens begin laying eggs at 5 months of age. The eggs are brown or white, with strong shells, and weigh up to 65 grams. Hens have a small, leaf-shaped comb, colored bright red. Roosters have an upright comb, while hens have a slightly slanted comb. A hen produces 200-220 eggs per year.

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• friendly character;
• high egg production;
• high resistance to various diseases;
• excellent appearance;
• breed endurance;
• rapid adaptation to living conditions;

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• It is impossible to crossbreed with ordinary chicken breeds; the chicks will grow up, but they will be low-egg laying.

Shaver Brown breed

3. The Hajsek was developed in Holland. The hens are compact, weighing 1.8-2.2 kilograms (4-5.9 lbs) when fully grown. Their plumage can be brown or white. The breed is a hybrid. Their build is strong, fairly massive, yet neat. Brown hens can sometimes have white wings and tails. Their comb is medium-sized, slanted to the side, and red. They are non-aggressive and can be safely housed with other chicken breeds.
   Egg-laying hens are very active, so they need to be kept in sufficiently spacious enclosures. Sexual maturity occurs at five months of age. Hens produce 250-300 eggs per year. Their shells are strong and can be white or brown. The average egg weight is 65-70 grams. Hens lay well for the first two to three years of life, after which egg production begins to decline.

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• the breed is resistant to various diseases;
• highly productive;
• friendly character;
• the eggs are large;

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• It is demanding in care, it is necessary to maintain a constant air temperature, adhere to the regime of introducing vitamins into the diet, etc.;
• You can't cross them with regular chicken breeds, as the offspring won't receive the same set of genes that are present in the individuals.

The "Hysek Brown" chicken breed

4. The Russian Crested was developed in Russia. The bird's first and foremost appeal lies in its appearance. Its distinctive feature is the feather crest on its head, which covers almost the entire comb. This chicken is resistant to cold and various diseases, so if you don't have access to a heated barn, this breed is ideal. The head is proportionate to the body and slightly elongated. The comb is leaf-shaped and red. The breed comes in a wide variety of colors, with the primary colors being black, white, red, gray, black and silver, and black and gold. The neck is relatively short, allowing the head to lie close to the body. The back is broad, the tail is elongated, and the plumage is dense. Adults weigh 2-2.5 kilograms and lay 150-160 eggs per year. The shell is strong, the weight of one egg reaches 56-60 grams.

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• the breed is frost-resistant and can be grown in any region of Russia;
• interesting and unusual appearance of chickens;
• stable egg production;
• calm character;
• unpretentious in care.

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• relatively low egg production compared to the above mentioned chicken breeds;
• The withers need to be trimmed periodically so that the chicken can see.

Russian Crested (white color)

5. The Leghorn was developed in Italy in the 19th century. These egg-laying hens weigh no more than 2 kilograms. Their breasts are high-set, and their backs are short and sloping. Their heads are medium-sized, with a leaf-shaped, medium-sized comb tilted to the side. The beak is yellow, not long, and pointed. The breed is available in 20 colors. The most common is the white Leghorn. Sexual maturity occurs at 4.5-5 months after birth. On average, hens can lay 250-300 eggs per year, each weighing 55-60 grams. With proper care, they will lay eggs at this rate for three years.

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• the eggs are delicious;
• high egg production;
• non-aggressive, good-natured disposition;
• quickly get used to a change of environment;
• can be grown in any region of Russia;
• They consume little feed, which makes it possible to breed them in large quantities.

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• You need to monitor your diet to ensure that the egg shells are strong.

Leghorn breed (white color)

The chicken breeds presented are ideal for raising on both home farms and poultry farms. Choosing the best breed among these chickens is difficult; each bird is highly productive and has many positive qualities, so everyone can choose the best of the best.