Brown Egg Layers

This graceful white and amber-colored sex link can lay eggs like no one's business, even in the cold dark winters. It is derived from the ISA genetic line and does not disappoint in egg production and cold-weather hardiness. It is a very well-balanced bird that lays nice large size table eggs. They are docile and make great foragers. Purpose: Egg Layer Production: 300 Large Brown Eggs/Year Temperament: Docile, Mellow Mature Weight: 5-6 lbs. Hardiness: Cold and Heat Hardy Broodiness: Rarely Comb Type: Single Comb

The Australorp is an Australian breed, was selected for its high egg production, and was developed primarily from Black Orpingtons that were exported from England in the 1890s to early 1900. Australian breeders selected large Black Orpingtons because of their efficient egg production and Orpington shape. Today, the Australorp is still a favorite egg producer in small and backyard flocks. Despite their record-breaking egg production, they are still considered a dual-purpose breed that grows at a good rate and has a well-fleshed carcass. The plumage is pure black with an intense beetle-green sheen that is breathtaking when seen in the sunlight. Their legs and toes are also black while the bottoms of the feet are white. Purpose: Dual-Purpose Production: 250 Large Brown Eggs/Year Temperament: Docile, Energetic Mature Weight: 5-6 lbs. Hardiness: Cold and Heat Hardy Broodiness: Occasionally Comb Type: Single Comb

The Black Sex-Link is an excellent brown egg layer. It was created from a Barred Rock hen and a Rhode Island Red cockerel. This creates a very versatile bird that is a great egg layer, has the temperament of a Barred Plymouth Rock, and can hold its own through the cold dark winter. Purpose: Dual-Purpose Production: 250 Large Brown Eggs/Year Temperament: Gentle, Active Mature Weight: 5-6 lbs. Hardiness: Cold and Heat Hardy Broodiness: Rarely Comb Type: Single Comb

One of the best breeds for newcomers to chickens, and families with young children. Named for the English town where they were developed, Orpingtons come in several feather colors, but all are big quiet birds with fluffy feathers that keep them toasty warm during frigid weather. Buff Orpingtons are the most common color and lay about 200 brown eggs a year. Purpose: Dual-Purpose Production: 220 Medium Brown Eggs/Year Temperament: Docile, Calm, Gentle, Friendly Mature Weight: 6-7 lbs. Hardiness: Cold and Heat Hardy Broodiness: Often Comb Type: Single Comb

Plymouth Rocks are as beautiful and productive as they are easy to care for. In 1620 a travel-weary band of pilgrims set foot on Plymouth Rock. Years later an ideal backyard chicken breed was named in honor of this famous site. They link the flock owner with American history while yielding abundant eggs and tasty meat. In bygone days when nearly every farm had a chicken flock, the utility and beauty of these birds made them the breed of choice. Few birds are as stunningly real as a Plymouth Rock strolling across a summer lawn. With a New England heritage, they do not let winter blizzards interrupt laying. Purpose: Dual-Purpose Production: 250 Large Brown Eggs/Year Temperament: Calm, Docile, Easy to Care For Mature Weight: 5-6 lbs. Hardiness: Cold and Heat Hardy Broodiness: Rarely Comb Type: Single Comb

New Hampshire poultry breeders likely envied Rhode Island for having a chicken breed named for their state. By the mid-1930s they had perfected a breed in the Granite State that grows a bit faster than the Rhode Island and was an important broiler breed until the era of modern hybrids. New Hampshire pullets sport light rusty red feathers and lay about 240 eggs each year. Purpose: Dual-Purpose Production: 240 Medium Brown Eggs/Year Temperament: Quiet, Friendly, Docile Mature Weight: 6-7 lbs. Hardiness: Cold and Heat Hardy Broodiness: Occasionally Comb Type: Single Comb

The Production Red is not a true sex link, but it performs like one. This breed is one of the most hardy and productive birds Hoover's offers. The hens lay good-sized eggs that have strong shell quality. Purpose: Egg Layers Production: 280 Large Brown Eggs/Year Temperament: Docile, Calm Mature Weight: 5-6 lbs. Hardiness: Cold and Heat Hardy Broodiness: Rarely Comb Type: Single Comb

The Rainbow is a dual-purpose bird that has one of the most unique feather color patterns you will ever see. It has every color you can imagine, and no two birds look alike. The best part about this breed is that they make wonderful birds for small backyard flocks allowing you to butcher them or keep the hens for eggs! Purpose: Dual-Purpose Production: 250 Medium Brown Eggs/Year Temperament: Docile, Calm, Social Mature Weight: 7-8 lbs. Hardiness: Cold and Heat Hardy Broodiness: Occasionally Comb Type: Single Comb

Rhode Island may be America’s smallest state, but the breed developed there in the late 1800s made huge changes in chicken husbandry. The Rhode Island Red’s amazing ability to lay about 265 eggs a year made it famous worldwide and became the parent of several modern hybrid egg layers. These glossy mahogany-colored hens with black tail feathers are as beautiful as they are gentle and productive. Purpose: Egg Layer Production: 265 Large Brown Eggs/Year Temperament: Exuberant, Curious, Friendly Mature Weight: 6-7 lbs. Hardiness: Cold and Heat Hardy Broodiness: Occasionally Comb Type: Single Comb

The Marans breed originates from a town called Marans, France. It is a very winter hardy breed with a docile temperament. They tend to be more athletic, taking to foraging, and free ranging more often than other breeds. Marans lay dark brown and dark speckled eggs. These tough birds make a great addition to any backyard flock. Purpose: Dual-Purpose Production: 200 Medium Dark Brown Eggs/Year Temperament: Docile, Friendly, Easy to Handle Mature Weight: 5-6 lbs. Hardiness: Cold Hardy But Not Heat Hardy Broodiness: Occasionally Comb Type: Single Comb

In the late 1800s New Jersey breeders created a chicken designed to rival the meatiness of the turkeys back then. The massive Black Jersey Giant was the result of merging the genetics of several large breeds. Later the White Jersey Giant was created. They grow slowly but eventually are a third larger than most other heavy breeds. These birds are ideal for anyone wanting an impressive hen that lays about 240 extra-large eggs annually. When younger, the birds will mature relatively quickly, but they tend to reach a marketable meat weight slower than other breeds. It can take up to nine months for this bird to fill out its meat proportions. Purpose: Dual-Purpose Production: 240 X-Large Brown Eggs/Year Temperament: Docile, Easy Going Mature Weight: 8-9 lbs. Hardiness: Cold and Heat Hardy Broodiness: Occasionally Comb Type: Single Comb

People own Salmon Faverolles for their silliness and their steady egg production. These bearded beauties are great docile birds that are very friendly. The breed originated in France and became the premier meat and egg laying breed at the Paris market in the late 1800s. The salmon color is the most prominent in Europe and where they are available in the U.S. Purpose: Ornamental Production: 180 Medium Light Brown Eggs/Year Temperament: Docile, Friendly, Calm, Quiet Mature Weight: 4-5 lbs. Hardiness: Cold Hardy But Not Heat Hardy Broodiness: Occasionally Comb Type: Single Comb

The Welsummer hen lays large eggs which are a terracotta dark brown, often with dark speckles. It is a light, friendly, and intelligent breed, with rustic-red and orange color. Like the Marans the Welsummer tends to be more athletic, taking to foraging and free ranging more often than other breeds. Purpose: Dual-Purpose Production: 250 Large Speckled Brown Eggs/Year Temperament: Docile, Active, Friendly, Vocal Mature Weight: 5-6 lbs. Hardiness: Cold and Heat Hardy Broodiness: Occasionally Comb Type: Single Comb

The Dominique is considered a “heritage” bird because it is considered America's oldest breed of chicken. Dominique hens tend to be calm and personable. Their calm, steady demeanor makes them successful as show birds or family pets. At first glance, Dominiques and Barred Rocks appear strikingly similar. The strongest difference is the Dominiques possess a rose comb while Barred Rocks possess a single comb. Purpose: brown egg layer Purpose: Egg Layer Production: 245 Medium Brown Eggs/Year Temperament: Calm, Docile, Friendly Mature Weight: 5-6 lbs. Hardiness: Cold and Heat Hardy Broodiness: Occasionally Comb Type: Rose Comb

A beloved breed that takes the best qualities from its parents, a Rhode Island Red rooster, and a Silver Laced Wyandotte hen. The Cinnamon Queens are wonderful egg layers and can take the cold hardiness of winter, ensuring that you will have eggs all year long. Purpose: Dual-Purpose Production: 250 Large Brown Eggs/Year Temperament: Docile, Easy Going Mature Weight: 5-6 lbs. Hardiness: Cold and Heat Hardy Broodiness: Occasionally Comb Type: Rose or Single Comb

One of the best breeds for newcomers to chickens, and for families with young children. Named for the English town where they were developed, Orpingtons come in several feather colors, but all are big quiet birds with fluffy feathers that keep them toasty warm during frigid weather. Purpose: Dual-Purpose Production: 220 Medium Brown Eggs/Year Temperament: Docile, Calm, Gentle, Friendly, Good with Children Mature Weight: 7-8 lbs. Hardiness: Cold and Heat Hardy Broodiness: Occasionally Comb Type: Single Comb

This perfect backyard chicken breed is named for India’s Brahmaputra River. The breed probably came to the U.S. on Nineteenth Century sailing ships, or it may have been developed here from other Asian breeds. Either way, Brahmas are enormous. Feathers cover their feet and shanks, keeping them warm in winter. Their docile, gentle, and quiet temperament makes them one of the best breeds around children. Hens lay about 200 medium-sized brown eggs annually, sometimes go broody, and are attentive mothers. Purpose: Dual-Purpose Production: 200 Medium Brown Eggs/Year Temperament: Calm, Friendly, Docile Mature Weight: 7-8 lbs. Hardiness: Cold and Heat Hardy Broodiness: Often Comb Type: Pea Comb

Barnevelders are medium heavy, dual-purpose birds that are very cold hardy. Their beautiful double-laced brown and blue feathers are just another perk of this docile bird that takes to foraging easily. The Barnevelders are single combed with yellow legs. Purpose: Dual-Purpose Production: 160 Large Dark Brown Eggs/Year Temperament: Docile, Curious, Active, Gentle Mature Weight: 5-7 lbs. Hardiness: Cold and Heat Hardy Broodiness: Occasionally Comb Type: Single Comb

These lacy girls are not just all show with their elegantly patterned feathers, they are also great egg layers. Wyandottes are one of the most strikingly beautiful chickens to grace a backyard flock. Developed in New York, they are quiet, easy to manage, and one of the most winter-hardy of all breeds. Purpose: Dual-Purpose Production: 200 Medium Cream Eggs/Year Temperament: Docile, Friendly Mature Weight: 6-7 lbs. Hardiness: Cold and Heat Hardy Broodiness: Often Comb Type: Rose Comb

The Maran breed originates from a town called Marans, France. It is a very hardy breed with a docile temperament. This breed tends to be more athletic, taking to foraging and free ranging more often than other breeds. The hens lay dark brown and dark speckled eggs. These tough birds make a great addition to any backyard flock. Purpose: Dual-Purpose Production: 225 Medium Dark Brown Eggs/Year Temperament: Docile, Friendly, Easy to Handle Mature Weight: 6-7 lbs. Hardiness: Cold and Heat Hardy Broodiness: Often Comb Type: Single Comb

The Maran breed originates from a town called Marans, France. It is a very hardy breed with a docile temperament. This breed tends to be more athletic, taking to foraging and free ranging more often than other breeds. The hens lay dark chocolate eggs. These tough birds make a great addition to any backyard flock. Purpose: Dual-Purpose Production: 225 Medium Dark Brown Eggs/Year Temperament: Docile, Friendly, Easy to Handle Mature Weight: 6-7 lbs. Hardiness: Cold and Heat Hardy Broodiness: Often Comb Type: Single Comb

The Turkens are not half chicken and half turkey, they are a unique chicken with a bare neck like the turkey and with very little feathering around the breast and wing areas. Despite their lack of feathers, they are very cold weather tolerant. They are friendly and easy to tame, plus they make for great conversation with curious neighbors. Purpose: Dual-Purpose Production: 265 Large Brown Eggs/Year Temperament: Docile, Friendly, Easily To Tame Mature Weight: 6-7 lbs. Hardiness: Heat and Cold Hardy Broodiness: Occasionally Comb Type: Single Comb

This perfect backyard chicken breed is named for India’s Brahmaputra River. The breed probably came to the U.S. on Nineteenth Century sailing ships, or it may have been developed here from other Asian breeds. Hens weigh about 5-6 pounds with loose fluffy feathers that make them look bigger. Feathers cover their feet and shanks, keeping them warm in winter. Their docile, gentle, and quiet temperament makes them one of the best breeds around children. Hens lay about 200 medium-sized brown eggs annually, sometimes go broody, and are attentive mothers. Purpose: Dual-Purpose Production: 200 Medium Brown Eggs/Year Temperament: Calm, Friendly, Docile Mature Weight: 5-6 lbs. Hardiness: Cold and Heat Hardy Broodiness: Occasionally Comb Type: Pea Comb

Another great sex-link chicken that has great egg laying qualities, making this another top red sex-link choice for your backyard flock. Purpose: Egg Layer Production: 260 Large Brown Eggs/Year Temperament: Docile, Calm, Friendly Mature Weight: 5-6 lbs. Hardiness: Cold and Heat Hardy Broodiness: Occasionally Comb Type: Single Comb

Developed in 1940 by George Ellis in the state of Delaware, these hardy birds make great dual-purpose breeds to add to any flock. They have white plumage with some black barring on the feather ends of their hackles. This breed matures quickly, and the hens make great egg layers. The Delaware breed does well in free- range environments and this should be kept in mind when selecting these birds for your backyard or farm. This breed also tends to be calm, friendly, and docile. Purpose: Dual-Purpose Production: 260 Large Brown Eggs/Year. Temperament: Docile, Calm, Friendly Mature Weight: 6-7 lbs. Hardiness: Cold and Heat Hardy Broodiness: Rarely Comb Type: Single Comb

The Calico Princess® is topaz colored and its feathers alternate in color between the light red-orange and white making it seem like a glimmering topaz stone. They are great egg layers and do well in many different environments. They are also robust and can adapt well to different climates. This bird is a specialty hybrid that was created by a breeder in the Czech Republic. Purpose: Egg Layer Production: 290 Large Brown Eggs/Year Temperament: Docile, Calm Mature Weight: 6-7 lbs. Hardiness: Cold and Heat Hardy Broodiness: Occasionally Comb Type: Single Comb

This perfect backyard chicken breed is named after India's Brahmaputra River. The breed probably came to the U.S. on 19th Century sailing ships, these Brahmas are enormous. Feathers cover their feet and shanks, keeping them warm in winter. Their docile, gentle, and quiet temperament makes them one of the best breeds around children. They sometimes go broody and are attentive mothers. Purpose: Dual-Purpose Production: 200 Medium Brown Eggs/Year Temperament: Calm, Friendly, Docile Mature Weight: 7-8 lbs. Hardiness: Cold and Somewhat Heat Hardy Broodiness: Occasionally Comb Type: Pea Comb

Our Sapphire Gem® will amaze you with its grey to light grey plumage. This Czech breed is an excellent egg layer and a great forager. It does well in hot and cold climates and is a breed very close to the Old Andalusians. Please note that grey to light grey plumage is referred to as blue or lavender feathering in the chicken industry. Purpose: Egg Layer Production: 290 X-Large Brown Eggs/Year Temperament: Docile, Easy to Care For Mature Weight: 6-7 lbs. Hardiness: Cold and Heat Hardy Broodiness: Occasionally Comb Type: Single Comb

When created, the White Jersey Giant was the result of merging the genetics of several large breeds. This breed grows slowly but eventually are a third larger than most other heavy breeds. This breed has an impressive hen that lays about 240 extra-large eggs annually. When younger, the birds will mature relatively quick, but tend to reach marketable meat weight slower than other breeds. Purpose: Dual-Purpose Production: 240 X-Large Brown Eggs/Year Temperament: Docile, Easy Going Mature Weight: 8-9 lbs. Hardiness: Cold and Heat Hardy Broodiness: Occasionally Comb Type: Single Comb

These Columbian Wyandottes are not all show with their elegantly patterned feathers, they make great egg layers too! Wyandottes are one of the most strikingly beautiful chickens to grace a backyard flock. They were developed in New York, have a quiet temperament, and are one of the most winter-hardy breeds. Purpose: Dual-Purpose Production: 200 Medium Cream Eggs/Year Temperament: Docile, Calm, Easy Going Mature Weight: 5-7 lbs. Hardiness: Cold and Heat Hardy Broodiness: Good Mother Comb Type: Rose Comb

The Partridge Plymouth Rock is an American creation developed by mixing Partridge Cochin, Dark Cornish, and Golden Wyandotte. Other reports suggest that Brown Leghorns and Golden Penciled Hamburgs were also used to create this beautiful variety of Plymouth Rock. The Partridge Plymouth Rock combines all the excellent utility traits and hardiness of other Plymouth Rocks with the intricate pattern known as Partridge. The males feature dark red hackle and saddle feathers with a black tail and breast. While the female’s feathers are a rich mahogany brown delicately marked with two to three concentric black bands known as penciling. The feather pattern is even more stunning upon close examination. Like other Plymouth Rocks, they have a gentle temperament and are not only good egg layers, but also grow to a large size, making them excellent dual-purpose chickens. Purpose: Dual-Purpose Production: 200 Large Brown Eggs/Year Temperament: Docile, Easy to Care For Mature Weight: 6-7 lbs. Hardiness: Cold and Heat Hardy Broodiness: Rarely Comb Type: Single Comb

The Buckeye was created in Ohio by crossing Cochins, Plymouth Rocks, and Malay chicken breeds. They are a Dual-Purpose breed that features rich, brilliant red plumage, yellow legs, and a pea comb. They are good egg layers and grow rapidly making them a true dual-purpose farm chicken. Buckeyes are very hardy that resist frostbite very well thanks to their small comb and wattles. Furthermore, due to their Malay ancestry they are very rugged and excellent foragers. They have an easy-going demeanor and are not inclined to be flighty. The Buckeye is the ultimate combination of beautiful plumage, utility, and hardiness for the backyard flock. Purpose: Dual-Purpose Production: 200 Medium Brown Eggs/Year Temperament: Active, Gentle, Friendly, Vocal Mature Weight: 6-7 lbs. Hardiness: Cold and Heat Hardy Broodiness: Occasionally Comb Type: Pea Comb