Best Heritage egg laying breed?

[BYCforlife]

I know heritage is not very specific, but I pretty much mean any non-hybrid breed of chicken. I want to get up to 45. One hatchery charges $6 a bird, which would be $270. Another hatchery charges about $4 a bird, but only has Western Rustics and Rhode Island Reds for heritage.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Leghorns are considered one of the best for egg laying. Used to be Rhode island reds were the best brown egg layers before sex links came around. Barred rocks, and Australorp are also decent layers.

 

[BYCforlife]

Leghorns are considered one of the best for egg laying. Used to be Rhode island reds were the best brown egg layers before sex links came around. Barred rocks, and Australorp are also decent layers.

Great to know! Rochester Hatchery has all 4 of those, so I might get a couple of each.

I already have 10 Black Copper Marans pre-ordered, was that a good idea?

 

[twisted-acres-farm]

New Hampshire's seem to do VERY well for me and aren't as "nasty" as the RIR can get. I would put them on the same level as Austrolorps.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Great to know! Rochester Hatchery has all 4 of those, so I might get a couple of each.

I already have 10 Black Copper Marans pre-ordered, was that a good idea?

I haven't had black copper marans, I do have a blue copper that lays pretty well and the eggs are nice and dark. I like a variety of breeds, and the different eggs they all lay. Most non crested heritage breeds get along as long as they aren't crowded.

 

[The Angry Hen]

Hey! I agree with the comment/suggestion about New Hampshires. Mine lays these large brown eggs and she just might be my best layer. So, they are a choice.
Brahma's (which I know you've had experience with), Partridge Plymouth Rocks and/or Barred as well a Salmon Faverolles. Faverolles tend to lay on the smaller side, but quite early layers and persistent as well.
I'm sure there are many more good egg layers, if not better, than the ones I chose, but my rule is don't suggest unless you know for sure and experienced. So these are the best I've had experience with. Good luck!! I hope this helps you the slightest bit!

 

[RhodeRunner]

If you live in Canada, and aren't prepared to barn raise these birds year round, you might want to look at the winter hardy breeds. I live in the Snowbelt in Northern Ohio. There is no way I would raise a single combed Leghorn.

You could get a Rosecomb Leghorn, but you may want to look into Chanteclers (they mature quickly and lay very well), Dominiques, and RC Anconas.