Have you ever wondered why store-bought eggs are typically white, but your backyard chickens lay brown eggs? I sure did when I first started my chicken-keeping journey! As it turns out, not all chickens lay the same color eggs, and if you’re specifically looking for those classic white eggs, you’ll need certain breeds.
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll share everything you need to know about chickens that lay white eggs, including the best breeds, egg production rates, and what makes these breeds special. Whether you’re a seasoned chicken keeper or just starting out, this information will help you choose the perfect white egg layers for your flock.
Why Do Some Chickens Lay White Eggs?
Before diving into specific breeds, let’s talk about why some chickens lay white eggs while others lay brown blue or even green eggs.
It all comes down to genetics! Different chicken breeds are genetically programmed to lay different colored eggs. White egg layers typically don’t deposit pigment on their eggs during the egg formation process, resulting in pristine white shells.
Despite what some people believe, there’s actually no nutritional difference between white and brown eggs. The color of the shell has nothing to do with the quality, taste, or nutritional value of the egg inside The only real difference is aesthetics!
12 Best Chicken Breeds That Lay White Eggs
1. White Leghorn
The White Leghorn is undoubtedly the champion of white egg production. These birds are true egg-laying machines, producing an impressive 280-300 white eggs per year! This is precisely why they’re the breed of choice for commercial egg operations.
Key characteristics:
- Excellent foragers
- Efficient feed-to-egg conversion
- Can be somewhat flighty and nervous
- Adapt well to various environments
- Compact size means they eat less feed than larger breeds
If you’re looking for a breed that prioritizes egg production above all else, the Leghorn is your best choice. They’re the most frequently mentioned white egg layer across all sources for good reason!
2. Ancona
Originating from Italy, the Ancona is another stellar white egg layer. These beautiful black-and-white speckled birds are both decorative and productive, laying around 180-220 white eggs annually.
Key characteristics:
- Hardy and independent
- Excellent foragers
- Adaptable to different climates
- Fairly easygoing personalities
- Active birds that enjoy free-ranging
Anconas strike a nice balance between beauty, personality, and egg-laying capability, making them a great all-around choice for backyard flocks.
3. Andalusian
Andalusians are striking birds with their blue-gray plumage. They’re excellent producers, laying approximately 265-300 large white eggs per year.
Key characteristics:
- Active birds that love to roam
- Cold and heat hardy
- Rarely go broody (meaning consistent egg production)
- Beautiful blue-gray feathering
- Friendly disposition
I actually added an Andalusian hen to my flock last spring, and I’ve been loving her! She’s gorgeous, active, and a consistent layer of beautiful white eggs.
4. Polish
Polish chickens are instantly recognizable thanks to their spectacular crests of feathers atop their heads. These ornamental birds also happen to be good white egg layers, producing about 150-200 eggs per year.
Key characteristics:
- Distinctive appearance with large feather crest
- Calm and docile personality
- Good for families with children
- Sometimes have limited vision due to their crest
- Make excellent show birds
If you want a chicken that’s both decorative and functional, the Polish breed offers the best of both worlds with their unique appearance and reliable egg production.
5. Hamburg
Hamburg chickens are another excellent choice for white egg enthusiasts. They produce around 200 eggs per year with hard, durable shells.
Key characteristics:
- Minimal maintenance required
- Handle cold temperatures well
- Active foragers
- Attractive speckled pattern on feathers
- Medium-sized eggs with excellent shell quality
Hamburgs are particularly well-suited for colder climates, making them a great choice for northern chicken keepers.
6. Minorca
Minorcas are larger Mediterranean birds known for their glossy black feathers and large red combs. They lay approximately 200 eggs per year.
Key characteristics:
- Beautiful black and white pattern
- Hardy and productive
- Curious and friendly temperament
- Excellent for free-ranging
- Larger body size
These birds have been enjoyed since the late 18th century and continue to be popular among chicken enthusiasts for their reliable egg production and striking appearance.
7. California White
The California White is a relatively newer hybrid breed, created by crossing Leghorns with other breeds. They lay around 280-300 large white eggs annually.
Key characteristics:
- Excellent production rate
- Calm temperament
- Good for beginners
- Heat and cold tolerant
- Efficient feed conversion
These birds combine the prolific laying ability of Leghorns with a more docile temperament, making them excellent backyard chickens for families.
8. Lakenvelder
The Lakenvelder is a beautiful and distinctive breed originating from Germany. They lay approximately 200-240 medium-sized white eggs per year.
Key characteristics:
- Striking black and white feather pattern
- Smaller and more active compared to other breeds
- Thrive in warmer climates
- Not the most cold-hardy breed
- Energetic and curious personality
I added a Lakenvelder to my flock this year, and she’s been such a joy to have around! While they may not be as prolific as Leghorns, their beauty and personality make them a wonderful addition to any backyard flock.
9. Campine
Campines are considered a rare breed with distinctive red speckles on both males and females. They lay approximately 140-200 eggs per year with bright white shells.
Key characteristics:
- Friendly disposition
- Rarely aggressive
- Require minimal food compared to other breeds
- Enjoy staying outdoors
- Prefer roosting high
If you’re looking for a more uncommon breed that still produces beautiful white eggs, the Campine could be perfect for you.
10. Appenzeller Spitzhaubens
This Swiss breed is known for its forward-pointing crest and V-shaped comb. They lay a good number of medium to large white eggs.
Key characteristics:
- Docile temperament
- Hardy in various conditions
- Excellent foraging abilities
- Very active birds that need space
- Consistent egg production
Their unique appearance and good laying ability make them a interesting addition to any flock.
11. White Faced Black Spanish
These historic birds are thought to be over 500 years old, descended from chickens in Southwestern Spain. They lay large white eggs and begin laying at around 15 weeks of age.
Key characteristics:
- Distinctive white face with black feathers
- Handle both hot and cold climates well
- Minimal maintenance required
- Docile temperament
- Good for beginners and families with children
Their striking appearance combined with reliable egg production makes them a unique choice for white egg enthusiasts.
12. Sicilian Buttercup
This ancient Mediterranean breed is prized for its unique cup-shaped comb. When kept under ideal conditions, they can lay up to 320 white eggs per year.
Key characteristics:
- Distinctive cup-shaped comb
- Medium to large white eggs
- Somewhat skittish nature
- Not recommended for beginners
- Excellent production in the right environment
While they may not be the easiest breed for novices, experienced chicken keepers appreciate their excellent production potential.
Supporting Egg Quality for White Egg Layers
To get the best quality white eggs from your chickens, proper nutrition and care are essential. Here are some tips:
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Provide quality feed: A good layer feed with at least 16% protein is crucial for optimal egg production.
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Calcium supplementation: Offer crushed oyster shells free-choice to strengthen eggshells.
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Fresh water: Always ensure your chickens have access to clean, fresh water.
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Adequate space: Chickens need enough space to exercise and forage to stay healthy.
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Light exposure: Laying hens need about 14-16 hours of light daily to maintain egg production.
What Chicken Lays Jumbo White Eggs?
If you’re specifically looking for jumbo white eggs, White Leghorns are your best bet. These chickens have been selectively bred to produce large eggs efficiently. With proper nutrition, White Leghorns consistently produce large to extra-large white eggs.
FAQs About White Egg Layers
Are white eggs better than brown eggs?
No! This is a common misconception. There is absolutely no nutritional difference between white and brown eggs. The color of the eggshell is determined solely by the breed of chicken and has no impact on the egg’s quality, taste, or nutritional value.
Why are store-bought eggs usually white?
Commercial egg operations typically use White Leghorns because they’re incredibly efficient egg layers. They produce more eggs while consuming less feed than many other breeds, making them cost-effective for large-scale production.
Can the same chicken lay different colored eggs?
No, an individual chicken will always lay the same color eggs throughout her life. The color might vary slightly in shade, but a white egg layer will always lay white eggs.
Final Thoughts
Adding white egg layers to your flock can bring beautiful variety to your egg basket. While I personally love having a rainbow of egg colors (my flock includes birds that lay white, brown, blue, and green eggs!), there’s something classic and beautiful about a pristine white egg.
If you’re primarily focused on egg production, the White Leghorn is clearly the champion. But if you’re looking for a balance of personality, appearance, and egg-laying ability, breeds like the Andalusian, Ancona, or Polish might be more your style.
Whatever breed you choose, raising chickens that lay white eggs can be a rewarding experience that provides your family with fresh, nutritious eggs year-round. Happy chicken keeping!
What breeds of white egg layers do you have in your flock? I’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments below!
Which Chickens Lay Which Color Eggs?
Different chicken breeds lay different colored eggs. Below, we’ll explore six common egg colors and the breeds that produce them, so you can add variety to your basket and choose chickens that complement your flock.
What Chickens Lay Purple Eggs?
The only breed known to lay plum-colored eggs on a relatively consistent basis is:
The quality of the color will depend on parentage.