Anyone who is engaged in farming understands that choosing a chicken to get eggs is quite difficult. But if you navigate and understand this topic, you can cope with such a task. It is about the best laying hens that we will discuss in this article. We describe the characteristics and features of truly worthy breeds that can be kept in their household. The article presents the breeds of laying hens with photos and names.
Egg Chickens
At the moment, a large number of birds are known, which are used specifically for collecting eggs. Many species carry large and high-quality eggs. It should be noted that individuals weigh a little. This figure does not exceed 2.5 kg.
Various breeds of chicken of egg direction are known. They vary in size. However, the differences end there - there are much more common characteristics. The meat qualities of chicken are completely ignored, since such breeds are bred specifically for receiving eggs.
It should be noted that such bird species develop very quickly, in comparison with others. By 140 days, individuals are considered adults. Twenty days before this, the chicken is already able to rush.
Moreover, the breeds that will be described later are similar to each other. They all have well-developed plumage. The tail and wings stand out noticeably - they have large dimensions. On the head there may be a straight comb, which, as a rule, has seven teeth.
Distinctive features of layers
If we talk about breeding birds and getting eggs, then you need to understand which layers will give maximum results. The most suitable are those chickens that are purchased in the same area where they will be bred. This factor plays an important role, excluding the purpose of obtaining offspring of thoroughbred species. Next, we learn more about the good breeds of laying hens. With photos and titles, this information will be presented below.
External parameters
Any laying hens differ, as a rule, among themselves in terms of weight. When compared with those that are bred for meat, they are much easier, and this, in turn, affects their ability to move. Such chickens have good plumage and well-developed earrings. The comb has a leaf shape. Particular attention should be paid to it, since this is a sign that can say a lot about chicken. The rating of the best breeds is presented in this article.
If laying hens that breed for three months have a bright comb, then there will be a lot of eggs. A pinkish hue indicates that the chicken is in poor conditions or is ill with something.
Features of eggs and birds
Typically, hens that are designed to carry eggs carry large eggs. The shell is white. If the body weight of the bird begins to decrease, then the cost of eggs is reduced. Weight - 1.9 kg, not more (by standard). If we are talking about mini-chickens, then their mass should be within 1.4 kg.
The light weight of the bird does not affect the productivity of the chicken itself. Therefore, it is much more profitable to use small individuals - you can significantly save on the amount of feed used.
Early maturity is another characteristic of all breeds that are designed to carry eggs. What is the reason for this? The first eggs appear as early as 4 months after the birth of the chicken. However, during this period, the weight indicators have not yet reached their peak, as a rule, they are 10-15% less than those indicators that distinguish already adult birds. You need to understand that such hens do not hatch eggs - this is very rare. If you want to increase the number of individuals, then you should use an incubator.
Rating of the best breeds
In order to choose the right chickens for yourself without making a mistake, you must definitely pay attention not only to external data, but also to what indicators the chicken has regarding egg production. However, if this goal is not pursued, then this information is not so important.
The most popular breed of chickens is Leghorn. She has all the wonderful qualities that can only be found in all known laying hens.
Noteworthy are the hens giving the brown eggs - from brown. The breed was bred by French breeders. This bird can lay up to 320 eggs per year.
The competition is made up of the following breeds: Russian White, Highsex, Kuchinsky Jubilee, High-Line, Brown.
Russian
The name of the breed "Russian White Chicken" immediately speaks of some of its features. The plumage is white, the body of recently born chickens is covered with yellow shade. The beak is of the same shade, and the head has small dimensions. The body is quite long and wide. The wings are well developed, have a dense structure. The chicken breed is bred in specific conditions, so the birds are able to withstand the cold and do not get some diseases.
The breed has a high egg production. In the first 12 months, the bird can lay about 200 eggs. The weight of one unit is 55 grams, and the color of the shell is white.
Highsex
If the owner still could not determine the breed, you need to look at the characteristics of the Highsex chickens. In 12 months they can give 300 eggs. For ten pieces you will need to use about one kilogram of feed. Egg weight does not exceed 60 grams. This type of chicken can tolerate many diseases: for example, caused by infections, helminths and fungi. They are also famous for having good productivity. They do not require any special conditions of detention and excessive attention to themselves.
The breed was obtained experimentally in 1970 in the Netherlands. The selection had some features, so this breed is considered a Leghorn hybrid. Two varieties are bred: white and brown. The first received a light color, respectively, the second - dark. Productivity is highest with Highsex Brown.
Highsex White
The breed of chickens Highsex white has a small size and a skeleton. Individuals of this species may resemble the appearance of leggorn. Birds have a characteristic feature. This is a ridge that hangs to one side. The fact is that it is too big. Because of this, he can not stay in a level, raised state.
Plumage is another feature of these birds. It is silky and pleasant to the touch. Even though these hens prefer an active lifestyle, they have a calm temperament.
Eggs usually weigh 65 grams. For 12 months, the bird blows up to 280 pieces. The hatchability of still young birds reaches 95%. The shell is white. Females often weigh about 1.8 kg. These birds never hatch their chicks, as this feeling is almost undeveloped in them. Chickens are resistant to infectious diseases. However, this applies only to those who were divorced at home.
This species requires increased attention. He needs a good level of content. It is advisable to add some vitamins and minerals to the diet. If you violate any rule of keeping, then the productivity of the chicken will be reduced several times, especially if there are problems with feeding.
line
Hens of the online breed are characterized by a calm disposition. They can easily adapt to completely different living conditions. Moreover, productivity does not change from this. The eggs are large in size. They have a strong and reliable coating. After reaching the age of eighty weeks, the laying hen will give about 350 eggs every year.
Kuchinsky anniversary
Chickens of the Kuchin jubilee breed have their own characteristics. Despite the fact that this species is ideal for laying eggs, it is also used as a source of meat. Many individuals reach a weight of two to three kilograms. The meat has good taste. The protein content in it is much higher than that of broilers. Hens of the Kuchin jubilee breed begin to rush six months after hatching. About 220 eggs are produced per year. The weight of one egg reaches about sixty grams.
Brown
You should pay attention to the breed, which was called iz brown. This bird is well acclimatized. She can adapt to any living conditions. This species was bred by breeders from France.
In one year, about 320 eggs are laid from brown. The shell is brown. One unit weighs 63 grams. The first eggs appear after 135 days. In order for the chicken to develop well, living in a cage, you should give it about 115 grams of the combined feed per day.
Leggorn
The Leghorn chickens (described below) are represented by small but productive birds. If you carefully consider them, you can see that they have a great shape and addition. The head is moved forward, and the chest is protruded. Chickens look very impressive during movement.
Head in standard sizes. The comb has a leaf shape. Earlobes of an ordinary type. They are a light shade, the body is as light as possible. The legs are medium in length and the chest is quite wide. In this case, the weight of chickens does not exceed 2 kg, males - 2.6 kg. For a year, birds are able to give three hundred eggs. Leghorn calmly adapt to the climate and living conditions. They are hardy and active in planting eggs. Description of the breed of leggorn chickens will allow the farmer to make a choice.
They begin to lay eggs at the age of five months. The first 360 days are considered the most productive. Most often, eggs are large, and this breed is characterized by a high level of fertility.
If a farmer needs really high-quality and worthy birds, then this breed should be considered first.
Broken brown
This breed of chickens is capable of producing about 320 eggs per year. The active period can last up to 80 weeks. All eggs have a good shell density, they are large, brown in color. Broken brown is popular with farmers.
Tetra
If you highlight the features of this breed of birds, it must be said that they give eggs already in the 21st week of life. About 250 pieces are produced per year. These indicators are quite high, so the breed is in demand.
The comb is characterized in that it has a leaf shape. The beak is strong and strong, and the tail is small. The legs are not particularly long, they are white or yellow. The body is medium in size.
Tetra SL
Description and characteristics of chickens tetra have already been given, but many are interested in the subspecies of SL. This chicken is not too common among ordinary household farmers, but its performance is impressive. For a year she is able to give 310 pieces. Externally, individuals look in the most ordinary way, the expression chicken hen is applicable to them like no other.
If you feed the bird properly, then it will be carried all year every day. In order to ensure this, calcium should be added to the feed. It is necessary just like light. The latter should go to places of keeping birds. Brown eggs. Weight - 65 g. Often these birds are also used as meat breeds. This is due to the fact that chickens gain weight quite quickly, although not too big.
A special advantage of this breed is that it is possible to sort the chicks immediately after hatching. This is done according to the color of the down coat. Females are brown or fawn. They have a neat scallop, a large ponytail and a bowed head. After hatching, roosters are white, black, or even gray. After growing, they become either completely bright, or interspersed.
Minor chicken
The name is in no way associated with the characteristics of the breed. The name of the bird was given in honor of the place where they were bred. Spanish scientists on the island of Minorca managed to develop a new species. A little later he fell into the hands of the British and the breed was slightly modified. Egg laying in active mode begins 5 months after the hatching of the chicken. For a year they show not too high productivity - only 160 pieces. One egg of a minor chicken weighs about fifty grams.
Rhode island
The view, which will be discussed later, has features. Thanks to them, no farmer can confuse these chickens with others. The bird has a pink straight crest, a medium-sized head, and also a well-developed body. The chest is wide, as is the back. The latter is pretty strong. Paws are yellow.
The color of these birds is another feature of the breed. At the base, the feathers are red with brownish spots, and at the tips they are dark. If the edge of the pen is not light, then this bird is a purebred.
This breed carries the golden gene. What are the benefits of this? When breeding a bird immediately on the day of hatching the chicken, you can determine its gender and select the necessary individuals. Chickens have a stain on the back of their head.
In one year of life, individuals are able to give 200 pieces. The eggs are brown, their weight is 58 g. In addition to the high egg production, these chickens are also characterized by a well-developed instinct of hatching.
New hampshire
This breed was derived from the Rhode Island. It differs in that it has a specific color and physiological requirements. This species was created in order to increase the number of healthy chicks and the volume of eggs produced. Moreover, the breeders completed this mission successfully. The chicken begins to lay eggs from 3 months after hatching. The total weight of one product unit is 65 g. Brown eggs.
Besides the fact that chickens have an excellent egg production rate, they also tolerate climate change well. Their fecundity is at a high level - 80%. Keeping this type of chickens will be very easy, as they are calm and get along well in their cages. The breed is large. Adults reach 3 kg, males - 4 kg.
Hamburg
It is difficult to choose which chickens are the best, however many make ratings based on the intensity of masonry and the appearance of the bird. The Hamburg breed will look as elegant and beautiful as possible. The crest is pink in color, you can see that one tooth is very pronounced. The beak is small in size and has a blue color. The bird itself has good dimensions, a long body, magnificent plumage.
The behavior of chickens is active, it is difficult to drive them into cages. The weight of the birds is small - only about 1.5 kg. This indicator is optimal. In the first year, the bird is able to give 180, in the second - 140 eggs. Weight - fifty five grams. The shell is white.
Ukrainian ear flaps
Further, the breed described has its own characteristic features. Birds have a scarlet hue. They are difficult to notice due to the dense plumage. It is still unknown how and under what conditions this breed was bred. One can only say for sure that this is a folk โcreation." These chickens easily and quickly get used to the climatic features of the territory in which they live and living conditions. They can easily withstand low temperatures, rain or snow. Layers have round breasts, which have good plumage. The body is dense, strong. The back is noticeably straightened and wide. Compared to other breeds, this one has an oversized head. A crest is seen on the top of the head. The beak is small, strong. Roosters have a cute fluffy tail, which is decorated with bright feathers. Special conditions for laying hens are not required. Most often roosters are black. Individuals with bright colors can come across. For a year, the bird gives about two hundred eggs. The mass of one unit of product is 60 g. The weight of the chicken is about two kg, the rooster is three kg. The egg is light, the shell has a creamy milky tone. She is strong.
Oryol
At the moment, it is not known where this breed came from. Birds have a beautiful appearance. They have a fluff of black, chintz shades. Fawn is found on the head and neck. These feathers hang down, so you might feel as if the chicken has a beard. The head is small, the back of the head is wide. The beak, although short, but got a rounded shape.
Roosters have a small comb, it is covered with down. Paws are strong and massive. Layers are undemanding in care, they are hardy. In one year, hens can lay 150 eggs. The weight of one piece is sixty grams. The shell is white or pink. The weight of the chicken is three kg, the rooster four kg.
Pavlovskaya
These birds were bred in the Gorky region, in the village of Pavlovo. Peruvian-type roosters are crossed with chickens with smooth feathers.
The feather cover of this breed is golden or silver, has black patches. In one year, a layer is able to produce 120 eggs. Each weighs about 60 g. Chicken can have a mass of up to 2 kg, a rooster - 2.5 kg. This breed is most often used on home farms.
Pushkinskaya striped and motley
This species is experimental. He was recently bred due to the crossbreeding of Leghorn roosters and Australorp hens. Birds of this variety are used to get eggs, but for laying hens their weight is too big.The plumage is striped and motley, the swelling is white. Roosters have a large number of inclusions on the body. The bird's head is elongated, the beak is curved, medium in size and has the color of ivory. On the top of the head is a ridge with a spike on it. He goes to the back of the head. Upstairs is flat. The crest itself is flat. The eyes of the chicken are expressive, the shell of the eye is orange. The earlobes are pink. The neck is long and the feathers are in the form of a mane. The body has the shape of a trapezoid. At the same time, the chicken breast is wide, set deep. The back narrows to the tail. The latter is well developed and planted directly. Metatarsus is large, while long, have a white tint. Fingers are covered with tights, they are widely spaced. Fluff of dense type. The wings are long, lowered to the ground.
This breed is calm and quiet. Birds quickly adapt to the conditions. Survival at a high level. Hens look spectacular. The limbs are long and strong. An adult will weigh 2 kg, a rooster will weigh 2.6 kg. In a year, the bird is able to lay about 200 eggs. Each weight is 60 g. The shell is white or cream in color.
Shaversky Cross
These chickens are able to lay eggs already at the 17th week of development. One bird can produce 320 pieces per year. By week 25, the breeding efficiency becomes maximum, so the egg laying period is quite active at this time.
There are no specific content requirements. This breed is hardy and not afraid of people. From week 18, the bird should start giving a little more feed than usual.
Output
In order not to be mistaken with the choice of breed, you should study all the characteristics of certain species before buying. It will be useful to look at the photos of each breed that interested. Then the owner will definitely be able to choose the most suitable option for himself.
You must adhere to certain rules. First you need to understand the purpose of buying a bird. For example, for family or acquaintances, for a rare sale or for the uninterrupted production of eggs / breeding of the breed. The article presents the popular breeds of laying hens, with photos and names.
Do not forget that the premises where chickens are raised are not dimensionless, so you should pay special attention to this when buying. Small breeds will fit in a small room in moderation, while large breeds will have to be purchased much less.
The region, rainfall and general climatic conditions are also worth considering. The bird must be adapted to all the nuances or be able to adapt to them.
The availability of breed chickens should also be considered. It should be calculated whether the owner can return the money spent, transportation costs, and so on.
Only after considering all the nuances and features, you can purchase chickens for further eggs. It is worth familiarizing yourself with the literature, which will allow you to understand all the intricacies of bird care. Young growth should be acquired. If you follow all the rules, then you can get eggs every day throughout the year. All breeds of laying hens with photos and names described in the article are capable of such a mode of "work".