Choosing Chicken Breeds- Color vs. Production

We have all seen the baskets of beautifully colored eggs all over our social media pages and for a long time, that was my goal. A basket full of rainbow colored eggs. However, when we hit a point last winter where there were no eggs in the grocery stores, I also didn't have any eggs from my backyard flock because most breeds that produce rainbow colored eggs only lay around 150 or so a year. This year I chose to stick with shades of brown and white but still be able to collect eggs from my backyard all winter. I chose food security over pretty pictures that I could post online. This year I may add some more pretty egg layers to my flock, but I will keep enough production hens to keep my family fed. Choosing the right chickens for your backyard coop isn’t just about looks or temperament—it’s also about the eggs. Some breeds are egg-laying machines that can keep your kitchen stocked year-round, while others produce stunning eggs in shades of blue, green, chocolate brown, or even speckled patterns. When building your flock, you’ll want to decide whether your priority is egg quantity, egg color variety, or a balance of both.

In this guide, we’ll explore how to choose chickens based on how many eggs they lay and what color eggs they produce, so you can create the perfect flock for your needs.

Why Egg Production Matters

If your main goal is a steady supply of eggs for your household, you’ll want breeds known for high production. These chickens typically lay 250–320 eggs per year, especially during their first few laying seasons.

High-production breeds are often more efficient layers because they were selectively bred for egg output rather than appearance or rarity.

Top High-Production Egg Layers

White Leghorn

• Eggs per year: 280–320

• Egg color: White

• Personality: Active and efficient

• Best for: Maximum egg production

Rhode Island Red

• Eggs per year: 250–300

• Egg color: Brown

• Personality: Hardy and adaptable

• Best for: Reliable backyard layers

ISA Brown

• Eggs per year: 300+

• Egg color: Brown

• Personality: Friendly and docile

• Best for: Consistent egg supply

Australorp

• Eggs per year: 250–300

• Egg color: Light brown

• Personality: Calm and cold-hardy

• Best for: High production with a gentle temperament

These breeds are perfect if you want your coop to function like a small egg farm.

Chickens That Lay Colorful Eggs

For many backyard chicken keepers, egg color is half the fun. A basket filled with blues, greens, dark browns, and speckles feels like a daily treasure hunt.

While colorful-egg breeds usually lay fewer eggs than commercial layers, they add beauty and variety to your flock.

Popular Colorful Egg Layers

Ameraucana

• Eggs per year: 180–220

• Egg color: Blue

• Personality: Curious and friendly

Easter Egger

• Eggs per year: 200–250

• Egg color: Blue, green, or sometimes pinkish

• Personality: Hardy and unique

Marans

• Eggs per year: 150–200

• Egg color: Dark chocolate brown

• Personality: Calm and quiet

Olive Egger

• Eggs per year: 150–200

• Egg color: Olive green

• Personality: Usually docile hybrids

These birds are perfect if you want a rainbow egg basket rather than maximum volume.

Balancing Egg Quantity and Color

Many backyard chicken keepers find the sweet spot by mixing high-production breeds with colorful layers. This ensures plenty of eggs while still giving you a visually stunning egg basket.

For example, a small flock of six hens might look like this:

• 2 high-production brown egg layers (Rhode Island Reds)

• 2 high-production white egg layers (Leghorns)

• 1 blue egg layer (Ameraucana)

• 1 dark brown egg layer (Marans)

This setup can produce well over 1,200 eggs per year while giving you a range of egg colors.

Things to Consider When Choosing Breeds

Before finalizing your flock, keep these factors in mind:

1. Coop Space
Most hens need about 3–4 square feet inside the coop and 8–10 square feet in the run.

2. Climate
Cold climates favor hardy breeds like Australorps or Rhode Island Reds, while Mediterranean breeds like Leghorns handle heat well.

3. Temperament
If you have children or want friendly chickens, choose docile breeds such as Australorps or Easter Eggers.

4. Egg Goals
Ask yourself:

• Do I want as many eggs as possible?

• Do I want a rainbow egg basket?

• Or a mix of both?

The Perfect Backyard Egg Basket

The best flock is the one that fits your goals. If your priority is feeding a family, focus on high-production layers. If you enjoy variety and visual appeal, include colorful egg breeds. Many chicken keepers discover that a mixed flock offers the best of both worlds—plenty of eggs and a beautiful assortment of colors.

With the right combination of breeds in your coop, every morning egg collection becomes a small moment of joy—whether you’re gathering dozens of dependable brown eggs or a rainbow of blues, greens, and deep chocolate shells.