Hey there, fellow chicken enthusiasts! If you’re wondering what kind of chickens lay those pristine white eggs you see at the grocery store, you’ve come to the right place As someone who’s been raising backyard chickens for years, I can tell you that white eggs are not only beautiful in their simplicity but also just as nutritious as their brown counterparts!
Today, I’m gonna share my personal experiences with the best chicken breeds that lay white eggs. Whether you’re a seasoned chicken keeper or just starting your flock, this guide will help you choose the perfect white egg layers for your backyard.
White Eggs vs. Brown Eggs: Is There Actually a Difference?
Before we dive into the breeds, let’s clear up a common misconception: white eggs are NOT less nutritious than brown eggs! The nutritional value of an egg depends on the chicken’s diet and lifestyle, not the shell color.
The only real difference is aesthetic Shell color is determined by the breed of chicken – that’s it! Some chickens lay white eggs, others lay brown, and some fancy breeds even lay blue, green, or pink eggs!
As “The Wing Lady” from Strong Animals says, “White eggs almost get a bad wrap these days! Everyone is after a colorful egg basket. However, I am always amazed at the sheer beauty of white eggs.”
Top 11 Chicken Breeds That Lay White Eggs
1. White Leghorn
Egg Production: 280-300 large white eggs per year
Temperament: Active, somewhat flighty and nervous
Weight: Roosters 6 lbs, Hens 5 lbs
White Leghorns are the superstars of white egg production! These are the same chickens used by commercial egg operations because they’re incredibly efficient layers. My first flock included two Leghorns, and they outproduced all my other hens by a long shot.
They start laying around 17-18 weeks of age and rarely go broody (meaning they don’t often sit on eggs to hatch them). They’re excellent foragers and don’t require as much feed as larger breeds.
One downside? They can be a bit skittish and nervous compared to other breeds. My Leghorns were always the first to sound the alarm when something unusual happened in the yard!
2. Ancona
Egg Production: 180-220 large white eggs per year
Temperament: Active, independent, talkative
Weight: Roosters 6 lbs, Hens 4.5 lbs
Anconas are stunning birds with their black-and-white speckled feathers. They’re hardy, independent, and excellent foragers. My neighbor has a small flock of Anconas, and they’re fascinating to watch as they hunt for bugs and seeds.
They typically start laying around 19-20 weeks of age and produce consistently for 3-4 years. With proper care, they can live 8-9 years, which is excellent longevity for chickens!
3. Polish
Egg Production: About 200 white eggs per year
Temperament: Gentle, calm, docile
Weight: Roosters 6 lbs, Hens 4.5 lbs
Polish chickens are as unique as they come with their fancy crest of feathers on top of their heads! They’re not the most prolific layers, but they make up for it with their sweet temperament and ornamental value.
They lay small to medium white eggs and start around 19-20 weeks of age. I had a Polish hen named Priscilla who would let my kids pet her without a fuss – super friendly birds!
4. Hamburg
Egg Production: 180-200 white eggs per year
Temperament: Active, shy, happy
Weight: Roosters 5 lbs, Hens 4 lbs
Hamburg chickens lay small, pointy white eggs and are known for their beautiful feather patterns. They’re active birds that love to forage but tend to be a bit shy around people.
They’re not the best choice if you want cuddly chickens, but they’re excellent layers and have wonderful poses that make them stand out in your flock.
5. Andalusian
Egg Production: 150-200 large white eggs per year
Temperament: Friendly, noisy, active
Weight: Roosters 7 lbs, Hens 5 lbs
The Blue Andalusian is one of the oldest chicken breeds that lays white eggs. Their blue-gray plumage is absolutely gorgeous, making them a striking addition to any backyard flock.
My Andalusian hen, Bluebell, was one of the most talkative chickens I’ve ever owned! They’re friendly birds that love to forage and will reward you with beautiful white eggs.
6. California White
Egg Production: About 300 large white eggs per year
Temperament: Active, somewhat flighty
Weight: Roosters 6 lbs, Hens 5 lbs
California Whites are actually a cross between White Leghorns and California Gray males. They inherit the excellent egg-laying abilities of Leghorns but tend to be a bit less nervous.
They start laying early (around 17-18 weeks) and are extremely productive layers. I’ve found they’re a bit friendlier than pure Leghorns while maintaining that impressive egg production.
7. Minorca
Egg Production: 120-200 medium to large white eggs per year
Temperament: Active, flighty, friendly to owners
Weight: Roosters 9 lbs, Hens 7.5 lbs
Minorcas are larger birds with distinctive large, red combs and wattles. They’re not as prolific as some other white egg layers, but they make up for it with their size and appearance.
They start laying later than most breeds (around 26-28 weeks) but are consistent once they begin. My uncle has raised Minorcas for years and swears by their reliability and longevity.
8. Campine
Egg Production: 150-200 medium white eggs per year
Temperament: Curious, active, talkative
Weight: Roosters 6 lbs, Hens 4 lbs
Campines are curious and active birds that love to free-range. They come in Silver and Golden varieties, both of which are beautiful.
They typically begin laying around 18-20 weeks of age and aren’t known for broodiness. If you want a breed that’ll give you consistent white eggs and entertain you with their antics, Campines are a good choice!
9. Lakenvelder
Egg Production: 180-200 white eggs per year
Temperament: Shy, flighty
Weight: Roosters 5 lbs, Hens 4 lbs
The Lakenvelder has a unique black-white-black color pattern that’s quite striking. They’re known for being excellent foragers but can be a bit shy around strangers.
My friend’s Lakenvelders are amazing at pest control in her garden! They start laying around 21-22 weeks and produce consistently for 3-4 years.
10. Egyptian Fayoumi
Egg Production: 150-200 cream-white eggs per year
Temperament: Aggressive, noisy
Weight: Roosters 4.5 lbs, Hens 3 lbs
Egyptian Fayoumis are ancient birds with silver-white feathers. They’re small but mighty, known for their hardiness and resistance to disease.
They’re early layers, starting around 16-18 weeks, and can become broody as they age. Just be aware that they can be quite aggressive and noisy – probably not the best choice if you have close neighbors!
11. Holland
Egg Production: 200-240 medium white eggs per year
Temperament: Calm, docile, friendly
Weight: Roosters 8 lbs, Hens 6.5 lbs
Holland chickens are excellent dual-purpose birds, meaning they’re good for both eggs and meat. They’re calm and docile, making them great for families with children.
They begin laying around 16-18 weeks and often go broody, making them excellent mothers if you want to hatch chicks. I’ve found them to be some of the most low-maintenance chickens for beginners.
Which White Egg Layer Is Best for You?
Choosing the right chicken breed depends on your specific needs:
- For Maximum Egg Production: White Leghorn or California White
- For Friendly, Family Birds: Holland or Polish
- For Beautiful, Unique Appearance: Andalusian or Lakenvelder
- For Cold-Hardy Birds: Ancona or Hamburg
- For Dual-Purpose (Eggs and Meat): Holland or Minorca
Tips for Raising White Egg Layers
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Provide Quality Feed: Good nutrition = better eggs. I use a high-quality layer feed supplemented with calcium for strong shells.
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Ensure Proper Housing: All chickens need protection from predators and weather. My coop has about 4 square feet per bird inside and 10 square feet per bird in the run.
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Regular Health Checks: Keep an eye out for parasites, illness, or injury. Healthy chickens = more eggs!
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Fresh Water: Always provide clean, fresh water. I use nipple waterers to keep it clean.
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Collect Eggs Daily: Collect eggs at least once daily to keep them clean and prevent broodiness.
My Personal Experience with White Egg Layers
When I first started keeping chickens, I only wanted colorful eggs – blues, greens, and browns. But after adding a couple of White Leghorns to my flock, I was amazed by how beautiful a basket of pristine white eggs could be!
Not only that, but my white egg layers tended to be more consistent producers through the winter months when my other hens slowed down or stopped laying altogether.
Now I always make sure to have a mix of white and colored egg layers in my flock for both variety and consistent production year-round.
Final Thoughts
White eggs get a bad rap sometimes, but they’re just as nutritious and (in my opinion) just as beautiful as colored eggs. Plus, the chickens that lay them tend to be some of the most productive layers around!
Whether you choose the ultra-productive Leghorn or the fancy-crested Polish, white egg layers are a wonderful addition to any backyard flock.
Happy chicken keeping!
What Chickens Lay White Eggs: FAQ
The White Leghorn is the most prolific white egg layer, producing up to 300 eggs per year.
Chicken Breeds That Lay White Eggs
So, if you are wondering what chickens lay white eggs, here are eight popular breeds to pique your interest.
With their excellent feed-to-egg ratio, Leghorns are the most popular egg-laying breed in the U.S. The White Leghorn is the primary white egg-producing breed used in commercial egg farms and a popular breed found in many backyard flocks. Leghorn hens produce 5 – 6 large white eggs weekly (280 – 300 eggs annually).
Leghorns are flighty, excellent foragers and active birds who, if given the opportunity, will sleep in the trees rather than the coop. However, this practice is not advised, as a Leghorn’s white feathering is easy for predators to spot.
The Leghorn comes in several striking colors: Black, Black-Tailed Red, Buff, Columbian, Dark Brown, Exchequer, Light Brown, Red, and White. It is also among only a few breeds available in single and rose-combed varieties.
Also known as the Blue Andalusian, this breed will make a lovely addition to the coop. With their beautiful slate-blue coloring and excellent egg production, Andalusions are among the most popular white egg breeds for backyard flocks. Andalusian hens average 4 – 6 medium white eggs weekly (200 – 220 eggs annually).
Andalusians are active, flighty birds that prefer little human interaction. This talkative and noisy breed does best when kept in small numbers.
Andalusians are recognized in one color, a striking laced blue. However, the breed’s color doesn’t breed true, resulting in black or splashed-colored offspring.
When many backyard flock enthusiasts consider what chickens lay white eggs, Dorking rarely comes to mind. While the breed is often considered a table bird, Dorking hens are fair producers, averaging 2 – 4 white eggs weekly (100 – 120 eggs annually).
What they lack in egg production, Dorkings make up for with their friendly, people-loving personalities. This breed is calm and one of the few white egg layers to go broody.
Dorkings come in several recognized colors: Red, Silver-Gray, and White, with the Silver-gray being the most popular of the three varieties.
Houdans are one of the most prolific ornamental breeds. With their unique crest, muffs, and beards, Houdans resemble more of a fancy show chicken than an egg producer. While the breed is excellent on the show table, hens of this breed are excellent egg-layers, averaging 3 – 5 medium-white eggs weekly (120 – 150 eggs annually).
While they can be flighty, Houdan hens are often friendly and ideal family pets.
Houdans come in two color varieties, Mottled and White.
Did you know? Both the Houdan and Dorking breeds have five toes.
With their cute crest and beautiful feather patterns, it’s hard not to fall in love with Polish hens. Sweet, calm, and quiet, these hens are known for their friendly disposition, making them a good choice for family pets. Hens are good layers, averaging 2 – 5 medium white eggs weekly (100 – 150 annually).
With their limited vision due to their feather crest, the Polish should never be allowed to free range.
Polish comes in various eye-catching colors: Black, Blue, Buff Laced, Golden, Gold Laced, Silver Laced, White, White Crested Black, and White Crested Blue.
Anconas are among the most prolific white egg-layers. Hens average 4 – 6 medium white eggs weekly (200-220 eggs annually).
While they excel in egg production, Ancona hens may not be suitable for many backyard flocks as they are flighty and aggressive. This breed wants no human interactions and prefers to spend its days free-ranging. Ancona hens do not tolerate confinement and are not suited for a suburban area.
The breed comes in one color: black with a beautiful beetle-green sheen and striking white speckles across the head and body.
Hamburg chickens are among the most uniquely patterned chickens available today. With their spangled feathers, they could easily be known as the “polka-dotted breed.” Despite their ornamental look, Hamburg hens are good producers, averaging 3 – 5 medium white eggs weekly (120 – 150 eggs annually).
A Hamburg hen’s personality is a little unpredictable as some strains of this breed have a nervous and high-strung personality, while others are friendly, talkative, and sociable.
This breed comes in six striking colors: Black, Gold Penciled, Gold Spangled, Silver Penciled, Silver Spangled, and White.
The Campine (pronounced Campeen) is known for its matching plumage in hens and roosters. The roosters lack the long sickle, hackle, and neck feathers that many roosters sport. Campine hens are nonsitters and respectable egg layers, averaging 3 – 5 medium white eggs weekly (140-200 eggs annually).
Flighty and inquisitive, Campine hens may often be aloof until they warm up to you. If handled frequently, Campines make friendly and endearing flock members. While the breed is active and prefers free-ranging, keeping birds in confinement may be necessary for a friendly flock.
The Campine comes in two colors: Golden and Silver. Both color markings are the same, with the head and neck a solid gold/silver and lightly barred with black on the body feathers and tail.
19 Best Chicken Breeds that Lay White Eggs
FAQ
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