Popular Egg-Laying Breeds in Australia

Raising chickens at home is becoming more and more popular in Australia, with many families embracing the idea of keeping pets that also provide a steady supply of fresh, organic eggs. But if you’re new to this, you might wonder: What breed of chicken is best for both companionship and egg production? 

In this guide, we’ll explore the most popular egg-laying chicken breeds in Australia, offering insight into their personalities, care needs and how many eggs they can provide. 

Whether you’re after a reliable egg layer or a friendly companion, understanding the strengths of each breed will help you make the right choice for your new coop.

Australorp

When our customers talk to us about their chickens, the Australorp is hands-down the most popular breed they mention. It’s easy to see why! This breed is a standout, not only because of its excellent egg-laying abilities but also for its calm and friendly nature, making it perfect for families.

Australorps are known for their striking appearance, with sleek black feathers that shimmer with a greenish-purple sheen in the sunlight. They’re medium-sized birds with a robust build, making them hardy and well-suited to the Australian climate. They’re also relatively quiet, which is a bonus if you’re keeping chickens in a suburban setting.

A single Australorp hen can lay up to 250 to 300 light brown eggs per year, making them one of the most prolific layers in backyard coops.

Isa Brown

ISA Browns are the second most common breed our customers talk to us about. They are particularly social and enjoy interacting with people, so if you’re looking for a breed that’s great with families, the ISA Brown is a top choice. They’re also relatively low-maintenance, making them perfect for first-time owners.

“ISA” stands for Institut de Sélection Animale, the breeding company that developed them. Known for their soft reddish-brown feathers and lighter underbellies, ISA Browns are medium-sized chickens with a friendly and approachable demeanour, making them ideal for backyard flocks.

You can expect ISA Brown hens to lay around 300 to 350 large, brown eggs per year.

Wyandotte

Wyandottes are a stunning breed, known for their striking laced feathers that come in a variety of colours. Their medium to large build, rounded bodies, and rose-shaped combs give them a distinctive, elegant appearance. 

Wyandottes are also well-loved for their calm and easygoing temperament, making them a great addition to any backyard flock. They’re hardy birds, able to tolerate different weather conditions, and they tend to be quite independent, though still friendly with people.

In terms of egg production, Wyandottes are reliable layers, producing around 200 to 250 light brown eggs per year.

Leghorn

Leghorns are known for their sleek, graceful appearance, with white feathers being the most common, though they also come in other colours like brown and black. They have tall, upright combs and a slim, athletic build. 

While they’re energetic and alert birds, Leghorns tend to be more independent and less cuddly compared to other breeds, making them ideal for owners who prefer low-maintenance pets. They thrive in Australian backyards, especially in warmer climates, as they tolerate heat well.

When it comes to egg production, Leghorns are top performers, laying around 280 to 300 white eggs per year.

Sussex

Sussex chickens are a popular breed in Australia, thanks to their attractive appearance and friendly temperament. They have a striking look, with a broad, sturdy body and feathers that are typically white with black markings around the neck, wings and tail.

Sussex chickens are known for their calm, curious and sociable nature, making them great pets for families and backyard settings. They’re also hardy and adaptable, tolerating both hot summers and cooler winters in Australia.

In terms of egg production, Sussex hens are excellent layers, producing around 250 to 280 light brown eggs per year.

Choosing the right chicken breed is key to a successful backyard flock. Whether you prefer the prolific Australorp or the sociable ISA Brown, each breed offers unique benefits for both egg production and companionship. With the right care, your hens will provide a steady supply of fresh eggs and joy!