12 Best Laying Hen Breeds for Your Backyard Flock 1. One Brown Often mistaken for ISA Browns, these hens are prolific brown egg layers and super beginner-friendly. 2. Plymouth Rock Classic black-and-white stripes, hardy, and steady brown egg layerseven in winter! 3. Rhode Island Tough and independent, Rhode Island Reds lay lots of large brown eggs. A homestead favorite! 4. Gascon A rare gem! Hardy and adaptable with medium to large eggs. Sleek dark plumage too. 5. Sussex Gentle, speckled, and a reliable layer of light brown eggs. Great for free-range setups. 6. Amberlink Modern hybrid, calm, and lays tons of large brown eggs. Low-maintenance and efficient. 7. Orpingtonn Yes, with an extra n Fluffy, affectionate, and decent brown egg layers. Great mothers too! 8. Wyandotte Gorgeous laced feathers and a strong laying reputation. Calm and cold-hardy. 9. AraucanianMapuche Eggs in blue or green! Unique looks, rare tufts, and great conversation starters. 10. Leghorn White eggs galore! Superstars of egg productionactive and efficient. 11. “Child Welfare” Likely a mislabeled Silver Laced Wyandotte. Stunning looks and excellent layers. 12. Creole Tough and tropical! Ideal for warmer regions, moderate layers with great foraging skills. Conclusion: Whether you want brown, white, or colorful eggs, theres a hen on this list for every backyard setup. Mix breeds for variety, personality, and a basket full of beautiful eggs!