One of the most common questions new chicken owners ask is: “What color eggs will my hens lay?” While colorful egg baskets are all the rage, white eggs often get overlooked. But did you know that white eggs are just as nutritious and beautiful as brown, blue, or green ones?
If you’re interested in adding white egg layers to your flock, you’ve come to the right place! In this guide, we’ll explore some of the best chicken breeds that produce white eggs, their characteristics, and why they’re worth considering for your backyard flock.
Top 5 Chicken Breeds That Lay White Eggs
1. Leghorn
The White Leghorn is one of the most famous white egg layers and is often used in commercial egg production. These birds are known for:
High egg production (280-300 eggs per year)
Excellent foraging skills—they love to hunt for bugs!
Low feed consumption due to their compact size
Personality: Leghorns can be a bit flighty and nervous but adapt well to both free-range and enclosed setups. If you want a highly productive egg layer, the Leghorn is a top choice!
2. Ancona
The Ancona is a stunning black-and-white speckled breed that lays 180-220 white eggs per year. They are:
Hardy and independent, making them great for backyard flocks
Excellent foragers that thrive in different climates
Easygoing and friendly compared to other flighty breeds
Personality: If you want a chicken that’s both beautiful and productive, the Ancona is a fantastic choice!
3. Cornish
The Cornish breed is best known for its meaty build, but they also lay 150-200 white eggs per year. Originally from England, these chickens are:
Hardy and adaptable to different environments
Dual-purpose—good for both meat and egg production
Consistent layers for a breed mainly raised for meat
Fun Fact: Many people don’t realize that Cornish hens can live for years and still lay eggs consistently!
4. Andalusian
The Andalusian is a rare breed with striking blue-gray feathers and lays around 265 white eggs per year. They are:
Active and love to roam, making them great for free-range setups
Cold and heat-hardy, able to adapt to various climates
Non-broody, so they keep laying eggs consistently
Personality: If you’re looking for a gorgeous, active, and productive hen, the Andalusian is a great choice!
5. Lakenvelder
The Lakenvelder is a smaller, energetic breed from Germany that lays around 240 medium-sized white eggs per year. These birds are:
Striking in appearance with their black and white feathers
Fast and active, always exploring and foraging
Best suited for warmer climates
Personality: If you love unique-looking birds with moderate egg production, Lakenvelders make a great addition to your flock!
Why White Egg Layers Are a Great Choice
If you’re considering white egg-laying chickens, the breeds above are a great place to start!
Best for high egg production → Leghorn
Best for foraging and beauty → Ancona & Lakenvelder
Best dual-purpose breed → Cornish
Best for active free-range flocks → Andalusian
Other white egg-laying breeds include California White, Polish, and Hamburg. Each breed has its own personality and needs, so be sure to research which one fits best into your backyard flock.
How to Support Strong, Healthy Eggs
For high-quality, durable eggshells, it’s essential to keep your hens healthy. Here are two must-have supplements to boost egg production and egg quality:
Chicken E-lixir – Daily Vitamins for Stronger Eggshells
Provides essential vitamins and minerals for overall health
Helps prevent soft or weak eggshells
Supports immune system and egg production
Golden Graze – Natural Calcium & Omega-3 Boost
Contains oyster shells for extra calcium to strengthen eggshells
Includes flaxseed and marigold for richer, golden yolks
Supports healthy digestion and strong egg production
Adding these simple supplements to your flock’s diet will ensure better-quality eggs and healthier hens!
While colorful eggs are trendy, white eggs are just as valuable! If you want a flock that lays beautiful, fresh white eggs, breeds like Leghorn, Ancona, Cornish, Andalusian, and Lakenvelder are excellent options.
Pairing these breeds with a nutrient-rich diet and proper supplements will help your chickens lay strong, high-quality eggs consistently. So, whether you’re building a backyard flock or expanding your current one, white egg layers are a fantastic choice!
FAQ
Which chickens lay white eggs?
Some of the best white egg-laying chicken breeds include Leghorn, Ancona, Andalusian, Cornish, and Lakenvelder. Other breeds like Polish, California White, and Hamburg also lay white eggs.
Are white eggs different from brown eggs?
No, white and brown eggs have the same nutritional value. The only difference is the eggshell color, which is determined by the chicken’s breed.
Which chicken lays the most white eggs?
Leghorns are the most productive white egg layers, producing around 280-300 eggs per year, making them popular in commercial egg production.
Do white egg-laying chickens need special care?
No, they require the same care as other chickens—proper nutrition, clean water, a secure coop, and regular health checks.
How can I improve eggshell quality for my hens?
Providing a calcium supplement like crushed oyster shells or a vitamin-rich diet with products like Chicken E-lixir and Golden Graze can help strengthen eggshells.
