Top 5 Breeds of Chickens That Lay Large Eggs: (Ultimate Guide)

When it comes to raising chickens, one of the most important factors to consider is egg production.
For those looking to maximize their egg yields, it’s essential to choose a breed of chicken that is known for laying large eggs.
There are several breeds of chickens that are particularly well-suited for this purpose, each with its own unique characteristics and advantages.
Top 5 Breeds of Chickens That Lay Large Eggs:
One such breed is the Rhode Island Red, a popular choice among backyard chicken keepers. These birds are known for their hardiness and adaptability, making them a great choice for those new to chicken raising. Rhode Island Reds are also known for their large, brown eggs, which are both flavorful and nutritious. Another top breed for egg production is the Leghorn, a small and active bird that is prized for its high egg yields. Leghorns are known for their large, white eggs, which are perfect for baking and other culinary uses.
Top 5 Breeds of Chickens That Lay Large Eggs:
When it comes to raising chickens for their eggs, size does matter. Larger eggs are not only more visually appealing, but they also tend to be more nutritious and have a better flavor.
Here are five of the top breeds of chickens that lay large eggs:
1. Rhode Island Red:

The Rhode Island Red is a hardy breed that is known for its ability to lay large, brown eggs.
They are also good foragers and can adapt well to a variety of climates.
These birds are typically friendly and easy to handle, making them a good choice for both novice and experienced chicken keepers.
2. Plymouth Rock:

Plymouth Rock chickens are another popular breed that is known for their large, brown eggs.
They are also known for their friendly and docile personalities, which makes them a good choice for families with children.
These birds are also good foragers and can adapt well to a variety of environments.
3. Sussex:

Sussex chickens are a British breed that is known for their large, white eggs.
They are also known for their sweet and friendly personalities, which makes them a good choice for those who want a pet chicken.
These birds are also good foragers and can adapt well to a variety of climates.
4. Orpington:

Orpington chickens are a popular breed that is known for their large, brown eggs.
They are also known for their docile and friendly personalities, which makes them a good choice for families with children.
These birds are also good foragers and can adapt well to a variety of environments.
5. Leghorn:

Leghorn chickens are a popular breed that is known for their large, white eggs.
They are also known for their active and curious personalities, which makes them a good choice for those who want a more interactive pet chicken.
These birds are also good foragers and can adapt well to a variety of climates.
So, these five breeds of chickens are known for their ability to lay large eggs.
Whether you are a novice or an experienced chicken keeper, any of these breeds would be a great addition to your flock.
Normal Eggs Vs Larger Eggs VS Jambo Eggs:
Comparing normal, larger, and jumbo chicken eggs:
Egg Size | Weight per Dozen | Weight per Egg | Approximate Volume per Egg |
---|---|---|---|
Normal | 24 oz (1.5 lbs) | 1.75 oz | 1 large egg |
Large | 27 oz (1.69 lbs) | 1.75 – 2 oz | 1 large egg |
Jumbo | 30 oz (1.88 lbs) | 2.5 oz | 2 large eggs or 3 medium eggs |
Note: The weights and volumes listed above are approximate and may vary slightly depending on the source.
It is also important to note that the nutritional content of eggs may vary depending on factors such as the hen’s diet and living conditions.
Chicken Feed for Chicken Breeds That Lay Large Eggs:

If you’re looking to raise chickens that lay large eggs, it’s important to provide them with a balanced and nutritious diet.
Here are some tips for feeding chickens that lay large eggs:
- Choose a high-quality commercial feed: Look for a commercial feed that is specifically formulated for laying hens. These feeds typically contain a balance of protein, vitamins, and minerals that are essential for egg production.
- Check the protein content: Laying hens require a higher protein content than other chickens. Look for a feed that contains at least 16% protein.
- Supplement with calcium: Calcium is essential for eggshell production. You can supplement your hens’ diet with crushed oyster shells, which are a good source of calcium.
- Offer fresh fruits and vegetables: Fresh fruits and vegetables are a great source of vitamins and minerals for your chickens. Offer them a variety of fruits and vegetables, such as leafy greens, carrots, and apples.
- Provide clean water: Make sure your chickens have access to clean, fresh water at all times. Dehydration can affect egg production and quality.
- Avoid feeding them junk food: Foods like bread, candy, and junk food should be avoided as they do not provide the necessary nutrients for egg production.
- Offer grit: Grit is small stones that chickens need to help grind up their food in their gizzard. This is especially important for chickens that are free-ranging or eating whole grains.
By providing your chickens with a balanced and nutritious diet, you can help ensure that they lay large, healthy eggs.
What are jumbo chicken eggs?
Jumbo chicken eggs are eggs that are larger in size than regular chicken eggs.
They are typically laid by hens that are bred specifically to produce larger eggs.
Jumbo eggs are classified as such by the USDA, which sets standards for egg sizes based on weight per dozen.
Jumbo eggs must weigh at least 30 ounces per dozen, which is approximately 2.5 ounces per egg.
Jumbo eggs are typically used in baking and cooking, as they provide more volume and richness to recipes.
They can also be used for making omelets, scrambled eggs, and other egg dishes.
However, it is important to note that jumbo eggs may not be suitable for all recipes, as their larger size can affect the texture and consistency of the final product.
It is also worth noting that jumbo eggs are not necessarily more nutritious than regular eggs.
While they may contain slightly more protein and other nutrients, the difference is generally not significant enough to warrant choosing jumbo eggs over regular eggs for health reasons.
Are 2 jumbo eggs equal to 3 large eggs?
In terms of volume, two jumbo eggs are approximately equal to three large eggs.
However, there are some differences between jumbo and large eggs that may affect their use in recipes.
As mentioned earlier, jumbo eggs are larger in size and weight than large eggs.
According to the USDA, a jumbo egg weighs at least 2.5 ounces, while a large egg weighs approximately 1.75 ounces. This means that two jumbo eggs would weigh about 5 ounces, while three large eggs would weigh about 5.25 ounces.
In terms of nutrition, jumbo eggs may contain slightly more protein and other nutrients than large eggs, due to their larger size.
However, the difference is generally not significant enough to have a major impact on overall nutrition.
When it comes to using jumbo eggs in recipes, it is important to keep in mind that their larger size may affect the final product.
For example, using jumbo eggs in a recipe that calls for large eggs may result in a denser or heavier final product.
On the other hand, using large eggs in a recipe that calls for jumbo eggs may result in a lighter or fluffier final product.
So, while two jumbo eggs are roughly equivalent to three large eggs in terms of volume, there are some differences between the two types of eggs that may affect their use in recipes.
It is important to consider the specific recipe and the desired outcome when deciding which type of egg to use.
How to get chickens to lay bigger eggs?
While genetics play a big role in determining the size of eggs that chickens lay, there are some things you can do to encourage your hens to lay larger eggs.
Here are some tips:
Tip | Description |
---|---|
Provide a balanced diet | A balanced diet that is high in protein and calcium can help hens produce larger eggs. Offer a commercial feed that is specifically formulated for laying hens, and supplement their diet with fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as crushed oyster shells for calcium. |
Ensure adequate space | Overcrowding can stress out hens and lead to smaller eggs. Make sure your hens have enough space to move around and access to nesting boxes. |
Provide adequate lighting | Hens need at least 14 hours of daylight to lay eggs consistently. If your hens are not getting enough natural light, you may need to supplement with artificial lighting. |
Keep stress levels low | Stress can affect egg production and quality. Make sure your hens are not exposed to loud noises, predators, or other stressful situations. |
Select the right breeds | Some breeds are known for laying larger eggs than others. If you’re looking to raise chickens that lay large eggs, consider breeds such as Leghorns, Rhode Island Reds, and Sussex. |
Keep hens healthy | Healthy hens are more likely to lay larger eggs. Make sure your hens are vaccinated, free from parasites, and have access to clean water and a clean living environment. |
By following these tips, you can help encourage your hens to lay larger, healthier eggs.
However, it’s important to keep in mind that egg size is largely determined by genetics, so it may not be possible to significantly increase the size of eggs that your hens lay.
Conclusion: Top 5 Breeds of Chickens That Lay Large Eggs:
Based on various sources, here are the top 5 breeds of chickens that lay large eggs:
- Rhode Island Red – This breed is known for its excellent egg-laying abilities, producing large brown eggs consistently.
- Leghorn – Leghorns are also excellent layers, producing large white eggs. They are active and energetic birds that are easy to care for.
- Sussex – Sussex chickens are known for their friendly temperament and large brown eggs. They are also good foragers and do well in free-range environments.
- Plymouth Rock – This breed is a dual-purpose bird that produces both meat and eggs. They are known for their large brown eggs and friendly personalities.
- Orpington chickens – Orpington chickens are a popular breed that is known for their large, brown eggs. They are also known for their docile and friendly personalities, which makes them a good choice for families with children.