5 Best Chicken Breeds for Backyard Chickens (Beginner Friendly & Great Egg Layers)
Discover 5 of the best chicken breeds for backyard flocks. These beginner-friendly chickens are hardy, friendly, and great egg layers.
5 of the Best Breeds for Backyard Chickens
Raising backyard chickens can be a rewarding way to enjoy fresh eggs, reduce food waste, and bring a little more self-sufficiency to your home. But if you’re new to chicken keeping, you might be surprised to learn that some breeds are much easier for beginners than others. Certain chickens are known for being hardy, friendly, and reliable egg layers—qualities that make them ideal for first-time backyard flock owners.
Choosing beginner-friendly breeds can make the learning process much smoother. Chickens that tolerate different weather conditions, have calm temperaments, and lay eggs consistently tend to require less specialized care. Starting with the right breeds can help you build confidence as you learn how to manage your coop, feed your flock, and care for your birds.
In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at five chicken breeds that are especially well suited for backyard flocks: Rhode Island Red, Black Australorp, Buff Orpington, Ameraucana, and Brown Leghorn. Each of these breeds offers something unique—whether it’s exceptional egg production, a gentle personality, or adaptability to a variety of climates.
Before diving into the breeds themselves, it helps to understand what actually makes a chicken a good fit for backyard flocks. Let’s look at a few key traits that beginner chicken keepers should consider when choosing their birds.
What Makes a Chicken Breed Good for Backyard Flocks?
When choosing backyard chickens, most people want an all-around breed: a friendly temperament, a good egg layer, and an easy keeper. But not all chickens fit the bill. Some breeds are primarily raised for show, some are meat breeds, some are egg layers, and some are dual purpose – meaning they can be used for both meat and eggs.
The best backyard chicken breeds are primarily egg laying or dual purpose breeds. These breeds are characterized by the best qualities for low-maintenance, beginner-friendly backyard chicken keeping. Here’s what to look for.
Temperament
Friendly breeds are easier for families and beginners. Since backyard flocks are usually small and nearby, chickens are more likely to become like pets. Gentle, docile and curious breeds tend to be the favorites, since they’re more personable and easier to bond with.
Egg Production
The main goal of having backyard chickens, for most, is a supply of fresh eggs. So it makes sense that egg production is a major factor in choosing chicken breeds. The best backyard breeds lay between 250 to 300 eggs per year.
Hardiness
Certain breeds tolerate heat or cold better than others. Many of the most popular breeds tolerate both hot and cold weather well, making them extremely versatile.
Space & Care Requirements
Some chickens adapt better to small backyard coops with space to roam. Others do well on free range. It’s helpful to consider your set up when deciding which breed is right for you.
Top 5 Best Backyard Chicken Breeds
1. Rhode Island Red
The Rhode Island Red is one of the most popular dual purpose chicken breeds. They consistently top the charts in backyard egg production, laying medium to large brown eggs. Rhode Island Reds are bold and friendly, making them a fun and personable addition to your flock.
Why They’re Great for Backyard Flocks
- Hardy and adaptable
- Excellent egg production
- Good for free range flocks
- Heritage breed
- Dual purpose – can be used for both meat and eggs
- Good heat tolerance, excellent cold tolerance
Egg Production
- About 250–300 brown eggs per year
Temperament
- Friendly but independent, bold and curious
2. Black Australorp
Black Australorps are a favorite among backyard chicken keepers. They have a sweet, friendly disposition and are excellent layers of large, light brown eggs. The Black Australorp is one of the best heavy breeds for egg production and they’re also quite beautiful with their glossy black feathers and gentle eyes.
Why They’re Great for Backyard Flocks
- One of the best egg layers
- Tolerates confinement well but also excellent at free range
- Heritage breed
- Dual purpose – can be used for both meat and eggs
- Good heat tolerance, excellent cold tolerance
Egg Production
- About 250–300 eggs per year
Temperament
- Quiet and gentle
3. Buff Orpington
Buff Orpingtons are prized for their beautiful golden plumage, but they’re also a favorite for both meat and egg production. They lay large to extra-large, pale brown eggs. Buff Orpingtons also make great setters and mothers, making them a wonderful choice for those wanting a heritage, self-sustaining flock.
Why They’re Great for Backyard Flocks
- Heritage breed
- Good for free range flocks
- Dual purpose – can be used for both meat and eggs
- Good heat tolerance, excellent cold tolerance
Egg Production
- About 200–280 eggs per year
Temperament
- Quiet and friendly
4. Ameraucana
Ameraucana chickens are prized for their beautiful blue eggs. They come in a wonderful combination of plumage colors and patterns. If you’re looking to add variety to your flock, and your egg basket, Ameraucanas are for you.
Why They’re Great for Backyard Flocks
- Reliable layers of beautiful blue eggs
- Good heat and cold tolerance
- Good for free range flocks
- Variety of colors and color patterns
Egg Production
- About 150 to 250 eggs per year
Temperament
- Sweet but shy and cautious
5. Brown Leghorn or Silver Leghorn
Brown Leghorns and Silver Leghorns are prolific layers of medium to large white eggs. These chickens are closely related to White Leghorns, one of the most well-known commercial egg layers. However, Brown Leghorns and Silver Leghorns differ slightly in that they are heritage breeds, and although they may lay slightly fewer eggs than the White Leghorn, they are more resilient with a longer laying life. Silver Leghorns are more rare than Brown Leghorns, but both varieties would make excellent additions to any backyard flock.
Why They’re Great for Backyard Flocks
- Excellent egg production
- Heritage Breed
- Hardy and robust
- Excellent heat tolerance, good cold tolerance
- Great for free range flocks
Egg Production
- 280 to 320 eggs per year
Temperament
- Active, alert and curious. Sometimes described as flighty, but not necessarily in an unfavorable way.
Tips for Choosing the Right Chicken Breed
It can be challenging to choose which breed to get for your backyard flock, especially if you’re only starting with a few. When it comes down to it, though, the best breed is what fits your specific situation. Below are a few tips to keep in mind when choosing the best chicken breed for your backyard flock. And remember, you don’t have to stick with just one breed – you can get a variety and see which you like best.
Consider Your Climate
Some breeds handle cold or heat better. In general, the heavier dual purpose breeds thrive in cold climates, while lighter Mediterranean breeds do well in hot climates. Still, many breeds, like the ones on this list, can handle both heat and cold well, making them especially versatile and popular in backyard flocks across the country,
Think About Egg Goals
If your primary goal is egg production, then this stat will be big in helping you make your decision. However, if you are looking to chicken keeping as more of a pastime, pest control measure, or companionship, you might not put as much emphasis on egg productivity. Perhaps, you might put more weight on characteristics such as a friendly temperament and good free-ranging ability.
Check Local Regulations
Some cities and neighborhoods limit flock size, so do some research before putting plans into place for your coop and getting your chickens.
Availability
Whether you are getting chicks from the local feed store, shipping chicks, or starting with pullets, a major factor influencing which chickens you choose comes down to which breeds are available.
Final Thoughts on the Best Backyard Chicken Breeds
Choosing which breeds of chickens you want to raise for your backyard flock can be an exciting, and challenging, decision. When you’re just starting out, opting for beginner-friendly varieties can lessen the learning curve and make for a positive, fun experience.
Rhode Island Red, Black Australorp, Buff Orpington, Ameraucana and Brown Leghorn are all great backyard chicken breeds that will keep your egg basket full and your coop running smoothly. They each have their own unique traits that set them apart, but they are all hardy and reliable.
If you are new to chickens, it’s okay to start small. In fact, it’s better! Start with 3-5 chickens and see where it takes you. It may be a little work to get started (especially if you’re raising chicks), but I promise – the reward of fresh eggs is worth it! And if you have backyard chickens, I’d love to hear which breeds are your favorite in the comments below.
FAQ About Backyard Chicken Breeds
What is the best chicken breed for beginners?
Rhode Island Reds have a friendly temperament and are known for their hardiness and egg production, making them a popular choice for beginners.
Which chickens lay the most eggs?
If you’re looking for the best of the best in egg production, Leghorns are a great choice. Rhode Island Red and Black Australorp are great egg layers as well, with quite friendly dispositions. There are also some popular hybrids that top the charts in egg production, such as Black Star (Rhode Island Red x Barred Plymouth Rock).
What chickens are the friendliest?
Black Australorp and Buff Orpington are among the most gentle and friendly chickens. Rhode Island Reds are also very friendly with a little more boldness.
How many chickens should beginners start with?
Most beginners do well starting with 3 to 5 hens. See our post How Many Backyard Chickens Should You Start With? for tips to help you decide what’s right for you.
