If you're looking for good laying hens to start your backyard flock or expand your current one, you're making a smart move toward a more sustainable and self-reliant lifestyle. Having your own hens means fresh eggs every day, fewer trips to the store, and a fun hobby that brings a little nature into your backyard. But finding the right hens is key to your success—and that's where knowing what to look for and where to shop matters most. Many poultry lovers rely on trusted online sellers like Ayla Backyard Poultry to find healthy, strong, and productive hens for their homes.



In this simple guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about buying quality laying hens, including how to choose the best breed, where to buy, and what to expect once your hens arrive.



Why Choose Laying Hens for Your Backyard?

Raising laying hens at home has become more popular than ever. Whether you’re in the suburbs, on a small farm, or even in a semi-urban area, keeping hens offers a ton of benefits:



Fresh Eggs Daily: Enjoy farm-fresh eggs without the added chemicals or long transport time.



Cost-Effective: Over time, hens can save you money on groceries.



Eco-Friendly: Hens help reduce kitchen waste and produce excellent compost.



Fun and Educational: They’re great for families, kids, and anyone wanting to learn about sustainable living.



But your experience depends on the quality of the hens you bring home. That’s why knowing what makes a "good laying hen" is so important.



What Makes a “Good” Laying Hen?

Not all chickens are the same. Some are bred for meat, some for show, and others—like laying hens—are bred specifically for consistent egg production. When you’re looking for good laying hens, focus on these key traits:



1. Healthy Appearance

Bright eyes



Shiny feathers



Clean beak and nostrils



Active and alert



2. Good Age

Point-of-lay hens (about 16–20 weeks old) are ideal—they’re just about to start laying eggs.



3. Consistent Egg Production

Breeds that lay 250–300+ eggs per year are perfect for backyard flocks.



4. Docile Temperament

Friendly, calm chickens are easier to manage, especially for beginners or families with children.



5. Disease-Free

Make sure your hens come from a breeder or seller who vaccinates and raises them in clean, healthy environments.



Best Laying Hen Breeds for Beginners and Backyard Setups

Choosing the right breed can make a huge difference. Here are some of the most popular and beginner-friendly laying hens:



1. ISA Brown

Eggs per year: 300+



Color: Brown eggs



Why they’re great: Friendly, early layers, very productive.



2. Rhode Island Red

Eggs per year: 250–300



Color: Brown eggs



Why they’re great: Tough and hardy, good for various climates.



3. Australorp

Eggs per year: 250–280



Color: Brown eggs



Why they’re great: Calm, gentle, and known for record-breaking egg laying.



4. Golden Comet

Eggs per year: 280–320



Color: Light brown eggs



Why they’re great: Sweet-natured and very productive, perfect for families.



5. Leghorn

Eggs per year: 280–320



Color: White eggs



Why they’re great: Efficient and great layers, though they can be a bit energetic.



Where to Find Good Laying Hens

So now that you know what to look for, the big question is: where can you find good laying hens?



Here are the most trusted sources:



1. Online Poultry Farms and Hatcheries

Reputable websites like Ayla Backyard Poultry specialize in offering a variety of healthy hens, often ready to lay. They provide clear information on breed, age, and laying capability.



Pros:



Wide selection



Delivered to your home



Convenient and time-saving



What to Check:



Age of the hens



Breed descriptions



Customer reviews



Health and vaccination details



2. Local Farms or Hatcheries

Visiting a local farm gives you the chance to see the chickens in person. You can check how they’re raised and ask questions before making a decision.



Pros:



See hens firsthand



Ask questions directly



Support local agriculture



Tips:



Look for clean, uncrowded living conditions



Watch how the chickens behave



Ask if they’ve been vaccinated



3. Farmers Markets

Occasionally, local poultry farmers will offer hens at weekend markets. This is another great way to connect directly with the seller.



Pros:



Talk face-to-face



Possibly cheaper



Learn about the farm practices



Cons:



Limited supply and selection



Timing and availability vary



4. Feed Stores

Some agricultural supply or feed stores carry chicks or pullets during the spring season. While it may not always be possible to find older hens, it’s worth asking.



Note: You’ll often need to raise chicks for several months before they start laying, so this is a longer-term option.



5. Local Classifieds or Community Boards

Sometimes you’ll find small-scale breeders or backyard chicken owners looking to sell extra hens. Always be cautious, ask about health, and inspect before buying.



What to Ask the Seller Before Buying

When buying from any source, asking the right questions ensures you're making a smart purchase. Here are some good questions to ask:



How old are the hens?



What breed are they?



Have they been vaccinated?



Are they currently laying eggs?



What are they fed?



Do they have any health issues?



If a seller can answer confidently and honestly, you’re more likely dealing with someone responsible and trustworthy.



What to Expect When Your Hens Arrive

When you bring new laying hens home, give them time to adjust. Here's how to make their transition smooth:



Set Up a Safe Coop



Clean, predator-proof, and well-ventilated



Provide nesting boxes, feeders, and water



Keep Them Comfortable



Offer layer feed, clean water, and a quiet environment



Avoid handling them too much in the first few days



Monitor Behavior



Normal settling behavior includes hiding or quiet clucking



Watch for signs of stress like not eating, excessive feather loss, or staying still



In about a week, your hens should feel right at home. Laying should begin soon if you’ve bought point-of-lay hens.



Feeding and Caring for Your Laying Hens

Proper care is essential for egg production. Even good hens won’t lay well if their needs aren’t met.



Key Feeding Tips:

Use a quality layer feed with 16–18% protein



Provide fresh water daily



Offer calcium supplements like oyster shell for strong eggshells



Add occasional treats like vegetables or grains



Daily Care Routine:

Check food and water



Collect eggs



Observe your hens for signs of illness



Clean nesting boxes weekly



Deep clean the coop monthly



Common Mistakes to Avoid

When people are looking for good laying hens, they sometimes rush the process or overlook key factors. Avoid these common mistakes:



Buying too young or too old hens



Overcrowding your coop



Feeding improper diets



Skipping vet checks or vaccinations



Not checking local chicken-keeping laws



How Much Do Good Laying Hens Cost?

Prices can vary depending on breed, age, and location. On average:



Chicks (1 day old): $2–$5 (but you’ll need to raise them for months)



Pullets (8–12 weeks): $10–$20



Point-of-lay hens (16–20 weeks): $25–$50



Mature laying hens: $30–$60



Investing a bit more in healthy, well-bred hens pays off in long-term egg production and lower risk of health issues.



Signs of a Healthy Hen

Here are some quick signs to help you identify a strong, healthy laying hen:



Alert and curious behavior



Red comb and wattles



Clean feathers and feet



No discharge from eyes or nostrils



Walks and moves easily



Regular droppings (no signs of diarrhea)



How Many Hens Should You Buy?

If you're just starting, a small flock is often best:



2–4 hens: Perfect for a small family (6–12 eggs per week)



5–8 hens: Ideal for a larger family or sharing with friends



10+ hens: Great for selling or preserving eggs



Start small and expand as you learn more about their care.



Final Thoughts: Start Right, Enjoy the Benefits

Finding and buying the right hens doesn’t have to be stressful. If you’re looking for good laying hens, take your time to choose healthy birds from trusted sources like Ayla Backyard Poultry. Know your preferred breeds, understand their needs, and prepare your backyard space properly.



Once your hens start laying, you’ll enjoy the satisfaction of fresh eggs, fun daily interaction, and the peace of mind that comes with knowing where your food comes from.



Happy hen hunting—and may your coop always be full of clucks and eggs!