Holland
Dual purposeUnited StatesBeginner friendly
The Holland was developed at Rutgers University to solve a specific Depression-era problem: farmers wanted a meaty dual-purpose bird that laid the white eggs markets paid more for. It succeeded quietly and then nearly disappeared, making it one of the rarest American breeds today.
Eggs per year
200–240
Egg color
White
Egg size
Large
Hen weight
6–7 lbs
Temperament
Calm and adaptable
Broodiness
Sometimes broody
Did you know?
Despite the Dutch name — a nod to some of its foundation stock — the Holland is thoroughly American, admitted to the Standard in 1949.
Holland egg production
Expect roughly 200–240 white eggs a year from a Holland in her prime — about 4–5 a week, or 17–20 dozen over the course of a year. That makes it a solid, dependable layer. Production naturally dips during the annual molt and the short days of winter, and eases off as a hen ages past her second or third year. Most pullets lay their first egg somewhere between five and eight months old.
Temperament & handling
The Holland is generally described as calm and adaptable. These are calm, people-oriented birds that tolerate handling well and settle into a backyard flock without much fuss — a big part of why they're such a common first breed.
Climate & care
Rated cold-hardy, the Holland rides out hard winters well as long as the coop stays dry and draft-free — keep drinking water from freezing and watch combs and wattles for frostbite in a deep freeze. It handles summer heat comfortably too, given shade, cool water, and good airflow.
Broodiness & raising chicks
A Hollandhen may go broody now and then, but it isn't something to count on — if hatching chicks matters to you, plan on an incubator and our incubation calculator.
Space & feeding
A Holland hen is a large bird at 6–7 lbs. As a rule of thumb, a small flock of 6 would want around 24 sq ft of coop and 60 sq ft of run, with about 2 nest boxes and 5 ft of roost. Size it to your own flock with the coop size calculator, and estimate the monthly feed bill — and your real cost per egg — with the feed cost calculator.
Is the Holland right for you?
A great fit if…
- You want a dependable supply of eggs
- You're new to chickens and want a forgiving bird
- You want a calm bird that's good around children
- You want both eggs and a solid table bird
- You get real winters and need a hardy bird
Think twice if…
- You want the absolute maximum egg output
Holland FAQ
- How many eggs do Holland chickens lay?
- A healthy Holland hen lays about 200–240 white eggs a year — roughly 4–5 a week, or 17–20 dozen over a year. Output drops during winter and the annual molt, and eases as a hen ages.
- What color eggs do Hollands lay?
- Hollands lay white eggs, large in size.
- How big do Holland chickens get?
- A Holland hen weighs roughly 6–7 lbs — a large bird — with roosters running a little heavier.
- Are Hollands cold-hardy?
- Yes. The Holland is rated cold-hardy and rides out hard winters well, provided the coop stays dry and draft-free. Keep water from freezing and check combs and wattles for frostbite in a deep freeze.
- Are Hollands good for beginners?
- Yes. The Holland is a forgiving, calm and adaptable breed that suits first-time keepers well.
- Do Holland hens go broody?
- Sometimes. A Holland hen may go broody now and then, but it isn't guaranteed — plan on an incubator if hatching matters to you.
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Keeping Hollands?
Give every bird a profile in PoultryPal — track their eggs, weight, and life events, and see who's really your best layer.
