A genome scan for quantitative trait loci (QTL) for egg quality and production traits was carried out in laying hens. The resource population was an F2 cross and parental lines were chosen to exhibit the maximum divergence for egg quality and molecular genetic markers. Both the Rhode Island Red (RIR) and synthetic White Leghorn (WL) lines from MTT Agrifood Research Finland were examined. This study represents the first genome scan for a cross between two modern egg layer lines. The crossing between lines was performed reciprocally to allow an analysis of sex chromosome Z and parent-of-origin effects of QTL. Eight animals (four males and four females) from each line were selected to produce the reciprocal F1 generation, while the subsequent F2 generation consisted of 305 females. Egg quality and production traits were recorded during the entire production period from 18 to 60 weeks of age. Animals in all three generations were genotyped with 99 polymorphic microsatellite markers. A genetic linkage map was constructed for 13 autosomes and sex chromosome Z for a whole genome scan that covered 2311 cM (centi Morgan) (Haldane) in total. QTL analysis was performed by regression using a statistical model that included dominance, parent-of-origin, background genetic effects and a two QTL model. Several QTLs for different egg quality and production traits were identified. The most interesting QTLs located on chromosome 4 influenced body weight and egg weight, and an area on chromosome Z affected the number and weight of eggs. The QTL affecting body weight explained about 25 % of the phenotypic variation in the F2 population. Several QTLs with an effect on egg white quality and egg weight were found on chromosome 2. Fine mapping and the use of a back cross (BC) generation, performed by crossing the F2 generation with males from RIR and WL lines allowed the QTL regions on chromosome 2 to be narrowed down. This approach provided evidence that two QTLs on chromosome 2 affected the same trait. The results of parent-of-origin effects of QTLs indicated that differences can be expected when the QTL allele is inherited from the sire compared with the dam. Three such QTLs affecting body weight, age at the first egg laying and feed intake were clustered on chromosome 1. This is one of the first reports of production QTLs with parent-of-origin effects in avian species.