If you’re interested in homesteading or raising chickens for egg production, then you’ll want to know about the top breeds of chickens for these purposes. You’ll also want to know which poultry grit and stock feed you should give to your chickens. Keep reading to learn about the six best chicken breeds for homesteading and egg production, as well as some key characteristics to look for in each one. With this information, you can choose the right chickens for your needs and get started on your homesteading journey. So let’s get started!
The Rhode Island Red
The Rhode Island Red is an incredibly popular choice for off-grid homesteaders and egg producers alike. It is renowned as one of the most cold-hardy breeds, making it a perfect option for off-grid pasture, as well as being resilient to diseases. On top of this, Rhode Island Reds can lay up to 280 eggs per year! This makes them one of the most efficient bird’s out there. Whether you’re looking for a home-clucking addition or an off-grid egg powerhouse, the Rhode Island Red is definitely a strong contender.
The Plymouth Rock
If off-grid living, homesteading, and sustainable living interest you, the Plymouth Rock is a great chicken for your yard. Cold-hardy and resistant to many diseases, this breed will produce up to 200 eggs per year, which makes it a great choice for those off-the-grid homesteaders looking to be as self-sufficient and sustainable as possible in terms of their food sources. With Plymouth Rocks fortunately available in many parts of the world, they are definitely worth considering if raising chickens is on the cards!
The Orpington
The Orpington is a pleasant addition to any animal-friendly home. This large breed of chicken has a friendly disposition and can lay up to 150 eggs per year! It has a fluffy, beautiful plumage that changes with the seasons and its calmness makes it an ideal candidate to be around other animals. With a capacity of producing multiple meals’ worth of eggs in a single year, anyone looking to raise chickens on their homestead should seriously consider the Orpington.
The Ameraucana
The Ameraucana is a unique chicken breed, loved all over the world for its beautiful and rare egg colors. If you’re looking to make a splash at your local farmers market or just add something different to your daily egg consumption, the Ameraucana is the perfect addition. They are capable of laying up to 200 eggs a year, which will no doubt bring in some extra income or provide for plenty of unexpected breakfast treats. The unusual colors add an element of surprise and playfulness that you won’t find with any other breed! Get ready to add some color and fun to your backyard farm.
The Sussex
The Sussex chicken is an excellent choice for those looking for dual-purpose poultry: its eggs make a great addition to your Sunday brunch while the meat can provide an even greater variety of meals over the course of the year. But not only is the Sussex a great poultry option, they have also gained quite a reputation for their friendly and gentle demeanor, making them a favorite in homes with children or other animals. Many owners are simply amazed by how docile they are. With a good laying season, you can expect this breed to give you up to 150 large chocolate-colored eggs per year, adding that much more flavor to breakfast!
The Wyandotte
The Wyandotte is an incredibly versatile and resilient breed of chicken. An ideal dual-purpose breed, it provides both meat and eggs for its owners and has the capacity to lay up to 200 eggs per year! Particularly adapting well to colder climates, this small yet hardy breed is known for its easygoing attitude, steady production, resilience, and overall friendliness. Furthermore, they are relatively quiet compared to other breeds with a gentle clucking sound. In short – the Wyandotte makes a perfect addition to any backyard setting!
In conclusion, there are a variety of chicken breeds to choose from, depending on your needs. The Rhode Island Red is an excellent choice for its cold hardiness, disease resistance, and egg production, with up to 280 eggs per year. The Plymouth Rock is another good choice for homesteaders, as it can lay up to 200 eggs annually. The Orpington makes a great addition if you want friendly chickens—it can lay up to 150 eggs every year. If you want something different for egg production, the Ameraucana lays blue or green eggs and produces approximately 200 per year. For those looking for a dual-purpose breed suitable around children or other animals, the Sussex will do well—up to 150 eggs per year—while the Wyandotte is adaptable to varying climates and can produce close to 200 eggs annually. No matter which breed you choose, all make wonderful family pets!
