standard breed · France (hybrid)
ISA Brown
A modern hybrid layer (Institut de Selection Animale) capable of 300+ eggs per year. Friendly, calm, and easy to handle — but production drops sharply after the second year.
| Size class | standard |
|---|---|
| Weight (hen) | 5 lb (2.27 kg) |
| Weight (rooster) | 6 lb (2.72 kg) |
| Eggs per year | 300 |
| Egg color | brown |
| Egg size | large |
| Climate tolerance | All climates |
| Temperament | friendly |
| Goes broody | rarely |
| Noise level | quiet |
| Beginner-friendly | Yes |
| Origin | France (hybrid) |
Is the ISA Brown right for your flock?
The ISA Brown is a standard breed that's well-suited to first-time keepers. Hens lay around 300 brown eggs per year and tolerate most climates well.
Temperament: friendly. Broodiness: rarely. Noise level: quiet. A reasonable choice for suburban yards.
What this breed needs
- Coop space: about 4 sq ft per bird inside the coop. Run the numbers for your specific flock size in the coop size calculator.
- Climate fit: adapts to a wide range of climates with no special accommodations.
- Eggs: a top-tier producer — among the most productive backyard breeds.