At a Glance: Australorp Vs. Leghorn Egg Production The Numbers: White Leghorns win on volume, producing 280–320 eggs annually compared to the Australorp’s 250–280. The Feed Bill: Leghorns are roughly 25% more feed-efficient due to their smaller body size. The Climate: Australorps are winter-laying champions; Leghorns handle extreme heat better but may pause in the cold. The Personality: Australorps are docile “pet-style” birds; Leghorns are high-energy, flighty, and better for “business-first” coops. The Longevity: Australorps maintain production longer (up to 5 years), while Leghorns often “burn out” after year two. Picking between the Black Australorp and the White Leghorn is one of the biggest choices any chicken keeper will make. This debate puts a tough, does-two-jobs Australian favorite against an Italian-born egg-making machine. Whether you want a non-stop egg layer or a steady-breeding hen, this australorp vs leghorn egg production guide will help you decide. Australorp vs Leghorn Egg Laying Comparison Australorp and Leghorn are the best of the best chicken breeds. However, one matures faster and produces more eggs than the other.  The White Leghorn (The “Speed Racer”) Annual Output: 280–320 large white eggs. Maturity: Starts laying early (16–18 weeks). Strategy: Leghorns are lean and high-energy. Since they’re smaller, they don’t use much energy to keep their bodies going, and every bit of food goes straight into making eggs. The Black Australorp (The “Long-Distance Runner”) Annual Output: 250–280 large brown eggs. Maturity: Takes a bit longer to start (20–24 weeks). Strategy: Australorps are built for steady, year-round production. They might not match the Leghorn’s speed, but they keep going when conditions get tough. When a Leghorn might stop laying during a cold snap, the Australorps keep producing all winter long. Australorp Vs. Leghorn Egg Laying Comparison FeatureWhite LeghornBlack AustralorpAnnual Egg Count280–320250–280Egg ColorBright WhiteDeep BrownEgg SizeLarge to Extra-LargeLargeWinter LayingFair to PoorGreatFeed NeedsLow (Very Efficient)Medium (Needs More) Best Feed Brands For Australorp And Leghorn Chickens In The US To keep these egg numbers up, you can’t use cheap scratch feed. In 2026, most US markets now sell special feeds made just for heavy layers. Purina Layena + Omega-3: This is the go-to for Leghorns. Since they lay so often, they can run low on calcium. Purina’s OysterStrong system keeps the shells strong and the hens healthy. Nutrena NatureWise Layer: A great match for Australorps as it contains prebiotics and natural oils to help these bigger birds stay healthy. It also has marigold for those deep, golden-orange yolks that Australorp owners love. Scratch and Peck Organic: For the top-quality homestead, this whole-grain feed is perfect. Since Leghorns love to scratch and forage, this feed encourages what they naturally do, which keeps their stress down and egg production up. Kalmbach Feeds: If you live in the Midwest or Northeast, Kalmbach’s high-protein layer feed helps the Australorp keep warm enough to keep laying when snow starts falling. Are Black Australorps Or White Leghorns Better For A Family Backyard? If you’re planning to raise a flock in the family backyard, research bird behavior before picking a breed. The Australorp Personality: These are the “friendly dogs” of the chicken world. They’re a gentle breed that likes being held. For a family backyard, they’re the clear winner as they usually stay behind short fences quietly. The Leghorn Personality: These birds are high-energy, get easily spooked, and can effortlessly jump over a 6-foot fence. They aren’t mean, but they definitely aren’t “cuddle chickens.” If your backyard is small or your neighbors don’t like noise, the Leghorn’s loud “egg song” might be a problem. Where To Buy Australorp And Leghorn Chicks Near Me or Online? Getting your chicks from a good hatchery makes sure you get the “egg-laying type” instead of the “show type” which lays way fewer numbers. National Hatcheries: Cackle Hatchery, Meyer Hatchery, and McMurray Hatchery are the top three US sellers online. They ship anywhere in the country and offer NPIP-certified healthy chicks. Local Farm Stores: In the spring, Tractor Supply Co. and Rural King stock both breeds during “Chick Days.” They’re often the cheapest way to get 5 or 10 birds without paying for shipping. The NPIP Directory: You can search the USDA’s NPIP website for local breeders in your state to find birds already used to your local weather. How’s the Australorp vs Leghorn Egg Production Beyond Year Two? Most data covers about the first 12 months, but what happens as your flock gets older? Leghorns are bred to lay so hard that they often “wear out” faster. By year three, they might lay 30–40% fewer eggs, and they can have more health issues. Australorps, with a slower pace, often keep up a steady (though slightly lower) rate for 4 or 5 years. What’s the ROI on Eggs Per Pound Of Feed? If you treat your coop like a business, pick the Leghorn. They weigh less and need about 25% less feed than an Australorp to make the same dozen eggs. If you’re paying for every bit of grain and don’t have space for them, the Leghorns’ payback is unbeatable. However, if you have a big yard, choose the Australorp as they’re much better at finding their own “wild” protein than the other type. Australorp vs Leghorn: Which Chicken Should I Pick for Backyard Egg Production? In a head-to-head race, the White Leghorn makes more eggs each year, usually beating the Australorp by 30 to 50 eggs. But for the average backyard keeper, the Australorp’s gentle nature and winter toughness often make it the more rewarding bird to raise. Frequently Asked Questions Which chicken lays more eggs, the Australorp or the Leghorn? The White Leghorn lays more eggs, averaging 280–320 per year, whereas the Australorp averages 250–280 eggs. At what age do Leghorn and Australorp chickens start laying? Leghorns typically start laying between 16–18 weeks, while Australorps take a bit longer, usually starting between 20–24 weeks. Are Australorps or Leghorns better for cold climates? Australorps are superior for cold climates due to their heavy body mass and dense feathers; Leghorns are more prone to stopping production during winter cold snaps. Which breed is more feed-efficient for egg production? The Leghorn is significantly more efficient, requiring approximately 25% less feed than the Australorp to produce the same amount of eggs. Do Australorps or Leghorns make better pets for children? The Australorp is much better for children because they have a docile, “lap chicken” personality, while Leghorns are flighty and avoid human contact.