Thinking about starting your own backyard flock? Imagine waking up to fresh eggs every morning, cheerful clucking in the yard, and a bunch of quirky, feathered friends following you around like tiny, beaked bodyguards.
Sounds pretty great, right? But not all chickens are created equal – some are total divas, while others are laid-back egg-laying machines.
If you’re new to chicken keeping, you’ll want breeds that are easygoing, productive, and not the type to cause coop drama.
Get ready to meet some of the friendliest, fluffiest, and most egg-cellent chickens for your backyard flock – because fresh eggs (and a little personality) make every morning better!
1. Sussex
Calm, friendly, and as charming as a chicken can get, the Sussex might just be the social butterfly of the coop.
These fluffy cluckers are so people-friendly, they’ll follow you around the yard like they’re hoping you’ll spill some secrets, or at least a few treats. They’re great for families, especially with kids, since they’re easy to handle and love a good chit-chat cluck session.
These hens are serious about egg production, laying around 250 large brown eggs per year. Want a chicken that won’t mind a cuddle and will keep your egg basket full? Yep, that’s Sussex in a nutshell.
Plus, they’re adaptable to both hot summers and chilly winters, so no diva behavior here.
Wouldn’t you love a hen that works hard, stays friendly, and looks fabulous while doing it?
2. Plymouth Rock (Barred Rock)
With their bold black-and-white stripes, the Plymouth Rock looks like it strutted straight off a fashion runway. But their good looks are just the beginning, these birds are laid-back, dependable, and egg-laying champs.
They can crank out 200-280 eggs a year without fuss, and they keep laying even when the weather gets chilly. Talk about dedication!
Plymouth Rocks are low-drama, making them perfect for mixed flocks and new chicken keepers who want a reliable bird without the attitude.
Ever want a hen who’s calm enough to chill but curious enough to keep things interesting? Plus, they’re tough, thriving in both hot and cold climates, so you’ll have eggs all year without a peep of complaint.
3. Buff Orpington
Soft, golden, and extra fluffy – Buff Orpingtons.
These birds are so sweet and cuddly, you’ll feel like you have a giant, feathered marshmallow in your yard. They’re known for their calm and gentle nature, making them ideal for families.
But Buff Orpingtons aren’t just about looks, they’re productive too! Expect around 200 large brown eggs a year from these golden girls.
They’re also cold-hardy, thanks to all that fluff, but they do need a bit of help staying cool in the heat (feathers can be fashionable and a sweat trap).
The Buff Orpington lays plenty of eggs and always looks fabulous. Truly the full package for any chicken keeper.
4. Rhode Island Red
Bold, beautiful, and just a little bit sassy!
These rich, reddish-feathered birds are tough as nails and incredibly productive, laying around 250-300 large brown eggs per year.
Need a bird that lays like a champ without demanding constant attention? These have your back.
Rhode Island Reds are known for their independent streak, so while they’re friendly enough, they’re not the type to hop into your lap for snuggles.
But who needs cuddles when you’re cranking out that many eggs, right?
Rhode Island Reds bring bold personality, impressive egg production, and a no-fuss attitude to the flock, making them a classic favorite for backyard coops.
5. Australorp
Egg-laying legend alert! The Australorp is so impressive, one hen once laid 364 eggs in a single year, talk about setting the bar high!
While your average Australorp won’t break records every year, they’re still incredibly consistent layers, producing around 250 eggs annually.
Beyond their egg game, they’re known for being calm, friendly, and oh-so-shiny.
Australorps are great for beginners because they’re easy to care for, rarely cause drama in the flock, and thrive in various climates.
The Australorp combines striking looks, impressive egg-laying skills, and a calm nature, making it a standout choice for any backyard flock.
6. Leghorn
With their sleek white feathers, bright red combs, and no-nonsense attitude, Leghorns are all about productivity.
They can lay around 280-300 large white eggs a year, making them one of the most efficient layers out there.
But don’t expect them to be snuggle bugs, these chickens are independent and tend to keep to themselves. They’re the type of bird who gets the job done without needing constant attention.
Leghorns are perfect if you want a bird that thrives on free-ranging and is all about keeping your egg supply overflowing.
Just keep an eye on them, they’re flighty and have a knack for exploring beyond the yard.
7. Golden Comet
If there were an award for best beginner chicken, the Golden Comet would take home the trophy.
Expect around 250-300 brown eggs a year, like clockwork. But the best part? They’re friendly and calm, often trotting up to greet you like they’ve known you for years.
Golden Comets are perfect for families, as they’re gentle enough for kids and curious without being pushy.
They’re also low-maintenance, making them a dream bird for new chicken keepers who want reliable eggs with minimal fuss.
With their soft golden feathers and sunny personalities, they bring both productivity and charm to the flock. Seriously, could you ask for a better combo?
8. Wyandotte
Glamorous and productive? That’s the Wyandotte in a nutshell. With their stunning laced feather patterns, these hens could win style points in any flock.
Wyandottes are hardy, reliable, and excellent egg layers, producing around 200 large brown eggs a year.
They are all about effortless charm with their stunning laced feathers and calm personalities. Known for being dependable layers and easy to care for, they balance productivity with beauty like pros. These birds bring elegance without the attitude, staying peaceful even in mixed flocks.
With their eye-catching looks and steady egg production, Wyandottes make the perfect blend of style and substance in any backyard coop.
9. Brahma
Big, fluffy, and as chill as they come, the Brahma is basically the gentle giant of the chicken world.
These massive birds can weigh up to 10 pounds, but they’re known for their calm, sweet personalities.
Despite their size, they’re surprisingly good layers, producing around 150-200 eggs a year, especially during colder months when other breeds slow down.
Their feathered feet and dense plumage make them perfect for cold climates, though they can feel a bit overdressed in the heat.
Want a giant bird with a heart of gold and a steady supply of eggs? The Brahma is your big friendly fluffball.
10. Easter Egger
Who wouldn’t want rainbow eggs in their basket? Easter Eggers are the fun, quirky artists of the chicken world, laying pastel-colored eggs in shades of blue, green, and pink.
Beyond their egg-game flair, they’re friendly, curious, and make great beginner birds.
Laying around 200 eggs per year, Easter Eggers are reliable producers while keeping things interesting. No two Easter Eggers look alike, with a mix of feather colors and quirky beards that give them tons of personality.
With their playful nature and unique looks, these charming birds add both visual flair and plenty of fun to the coop.