Last Updated on March 7, 2025 by Kiersten James, BS, RN
If you’re tired of paying ridiculously high prices for eggs that may not even be fresh, now is the perfect time to start raising your own backyard chickens.
Anyone who has been to the grocery store lately has probably noticed that the price of eggs has skyrocketed.
Between the bird flu, supply chain disruptions (aka government-ordered culling of 34 million hens), inflation, and unpredictable shortages, something as simple as a carton of eggs has turned into a luxury item.
If you’re just getting started, choosing the right breed is crucial. Some chickens are fantastic layers, while others are more ornamental or bred for meat.
Why Raise Your Own Chickens for Eggs?
Raising chickens isn’t just about saving money. It’s about self-sufficiency, better nutrition, and the satisfaction of gathering fresh eggs from your own coop each morning.
I’m a strong believer that having chickens is one of the best investments you can make right now. Here’s why:
- Consistent egg supply – my family is completely immune to commercial egg shortages and/or ridiculous prices. We generally use 10 eggs/day at a minimum, so to us, chickens were a no-brainer.
- Healthier, better-tasting eggs – backyard eggs are fresher, richer in color, and higher in nutrients. Once you see and taste those deep sunset yolks, you’ll never go back.
- Self-sufficiency – chickens are the gateway to hobby farming. These girls will give you the confidence to break away from the system and produce more of your own food. If you haven’t heard of chicken math, look it up now so your husband can be prepared lol.
- Natural pest control & composting – chickens that are able to free range will eat alllll the bugs and kitchen scraps, reduce waste, and enrich your soil.
- Best friends forever – this is probably my favorite. Hens have larger-than-life personalities, are completely hilarious, and are more fun to be around than humans.
6 Best Egg Laying Chicken Breeds for Beginners
If you’re new to raising chickens and want fresh eggs, you’ll want hens that are hardy, easy to care for, and produce a steady supply of eggs.
Here are my top picks based on my own experience and that of friends.
1. Rhode Island Reds
Egg Production: 250–300 large brown eggs per year (5–6 per week)
Temperament: Hardy, independent, and good for free-ranging
Why They’re Great: Rhode Island Reds are one of the best all-around backyard chickens. They thrive in different climates, require little maintenance, and lay a consistent supply of eggs. Excellent for beginners looking for dependable hens.
2. Australorp
Egg Production: 250–300 large brown eggs per year (5–6 per week)
Temperament: Gentle, friendly, and great for families
Why They’re Great: Australorps hold the world record for egg-laying (one hen laid 364 eggs in 365 days). They are calm, easy to manage, and adapt well to both free range and confined spaces.
3. Buff Orpington
Egg Production: 200–280 large brown eggs per year (4–5 per week)
Temperament: Extremely friendly, affectionate, and great with kids
Why They’re Great: Buff Orpingtons are often called the “Golden Retrievers” of chickens because they love human interaction. If you’re looking for a friendly flock, this is my top pick. They also do well in colder climates like our New York winters.
4. Sussex
Egg Production: 220–280 large brown or tinted eggs per year (4–5 per week)
Temperament: Curious, calm, and great for mixed flocks
Why They’re Great: Sussex chickens are both excellent layers and great foragers, making them a perfect choice for those who want to free range their flock. They are gentle, easy to handle, and great for beginners.
5. Leghorn
Egg Production: 280–320 large white eggs per year (5–6 per week)
Temperament: Active, independent, and efficient
Why They’re Great: If you want maximum egg production, Leghorns are a commercial powerhouse and the way to go. These chickens lay big, beautiful white eggs and are highly efficient, eating less feed compared to other breeds.
I have noticed our Leghorns are less willing to be handled and more skittish than our other breeds, but they are still amazing little girls.
6. Barred Rock (Plymouth Rock)
Egg Production: 200–280 large brown eggs per year (4–5 per week)
Temperament: Calm, friendly, and great for families
Why They’re Great: Barred Rocks are low-maintenance, friendly, and adaptable, making them an ideal breed for first-time chicken keepers. They are cold-hardy, excellent for free-ranging, and continue laying well into their older years.
Are Fresh Eggs Cheaper?
One of the biggest reasons people start raising chickens is the high cost of store-bought eggs, but are fresh eggs actually cheaper in the long run?
I’m not actually sure because I’ve never done the math, but my gut (and likely my husband) will say no.
I do know 1,000% that the quality of our fresh eggs is far superior to eggs that can be purchased at grocery stores. To me, that takes priority when feeding my family.
Upfront Costs of Raising Chickens
Raising chickens does require an initial investment. Here’s a breakdown of some key costs from my quick 5 minute search on Tractor Supply’s website:
- Coop & run setup: $400–$1,000+ depending on size and materials
- Chicks: $3–$10 per chick, depending on the breed. I exclusively order our girls from Cackle Hatchery in Missouri.
- Feed: $25-$30 per 50-pound bag, depending on how many girls you have
- Bedding & supplies: $10–$20 per month
- Waterers, feeders, and other equipment: $100-$150
Ongoing Costs vs Store-Bought Eggs
While the initial setup obviously costs more than a trip to the grocery store, the long-term cost per egg decreases significantly once your flock is established.
- Store-bought eggs: Currently ranging from $8–$12 per dozen for organic, pasture-raised eggs. This is mind-blowing to me.
- Backyard eggs: Once your girls are laying regularly, the cost of feed and maintenance averages about $1–$2 per dozen, depending on level of free-ranging and supplemental feed.
- Sell or preserve extra eggs – If you have a surplus of eggs, you can sell or barter farm-fresh eggs with neighbors to offset costs. In lieu of selling, you can dehydrate the eggs into powder for long term storage and food security.
If you need to do some more research, you can check out my favorite large chicken breeds for beginners or this full guide on how to raise and care for new chicks once they’re delivered.
Save It For Later!
