The Leghorn chicken has a superior reputation as a reliable as well as plentiful egg layer.
We will never understand without a doubt about truth origins of this effort Italian poultry but without her the egg industry would not coincide.
This egg laying extremely celebrity changed the egg market forever during the 1900s.
Also read: The Ultimate Guide of Serama Chicken
However the days she is better matched to backyards and little flocks.
Do you intend to discover more regarding this self-sufficient chicken? After that keep reviewing our write-up listed below …
Table of Contents
Leghorn Chicken History
The exact beginnings of the Leghorn chicken are unidentified. There were numerous tiny types of land race poultries in the Tuscany region of Italy and also from these the Leghorn was born.
The name Leghorn is in fact the anglicization of the word Livorno. Livorno is the port city in Italy where the Leghorns were first exported to the UNITED STATES in 1828 or thereabouts. What took place to these early risers is not known.
A Captain Gates of the United States brought Leghorns to the USA. He anchored at Mystic Harbor, Connecticut and also these birds were the forefathers of today’s Leghorns.
After some type refinement (which included reproducing for a rose comb) in the United States, the white Leghorn won the New York show in 1868 and the Leghorns were ultimately shipped to the UK around 1870.
The English did not like the small body of the Leghorn and so crossed it with the Minorca to provide an extra robust frame– more like a twin purpose breed. In spite of this the Leghorn continues to be a slim bird, not really appropriate as table price in any way.
These crosses ultimately made their way back to the US where the larger dimension made it extra acceptable to the budding poultry industry around 1910.
Not long after this moment the Leghorn admirers were divided into two rival camps, those that appreciated the chicken as it was naturally and also those that valued production over every little thing else.
The department remains to now with the initial Leghorn lines maintained by a few private dog breeders. The substantial majority of Leghorns today are elevated to be industrial hens.
Leghorn Details
A lot of Leghorns are easily recognized by their substantial drooping combs as well as big wattles.
This is their cooling system as well as when they obtain as well hot these appendages blurt warm to cool them down.
These large combs can likewise be a problem, especially in very cold climates where they can get terribly frostbitten.
However in the United States you can obtain climbed comb Leghorns, this is suggested if you reside in the northern US states.
Their body is fairly slender and also their back has a noticable U form account. They have an upright stance and their tail is held fairly high.
Her quill will certainly differ relying on the selection (extra on this later).
Dimension and also Weight
Leghorns are a touch on the small side for a basic hen
They have a trim as well as slim account with hens just considering 5-6lb and also fowls typically evaluating around 7 1/2 -8 pound.
Bantam Leghorns are also little with hens considering 1.4 pound and fowls evaluating 1.7 pound.
Color
There are several various tuft colors to choose from with Leghorns
White is without a doubt one of the most prominent, however you will certainly likewise find them in brown, black, red and also lover.
In overall there are 12 different varieties and each nation has their very own listing of accepted colors. Red black tailed, black as well as silver gold duckwing are likewise fairly usual in the US.
A few of these ranges are extremely hard to come by as well as can only be found from exclusive dog breeders.
Health Issues
Leghorn hens are very robust as well as adaptable.
They can endure both cool and also warm environments as well as are autonomous chickens.
Whilst they can tolerate the cold these poultries originally come from warm/temperate climate so this is where they do best and flourish. Similar to all fowl you will certainly need to monitor for bloodsuckers such as lice, mites and also worms.
You have the selection of dealing with regularly or treating when you see an issue.
It is recommended that you increase Leghorns away from other hens considering that the adolescent birds can be rather a handful up until they settle down.
Feeding
A large perk to this spritely poultry is the fact that they are light eaters.
Plus if you let them free array your feed expense is going to be very reasonable as they are passionate totally free rangers as well as will certainly obtain great deals of extra fresh food to supplement their diet regimen.
Also read: Chicken Feeding Guide: Types of Food and Nutrition Needs
Once your Leghorns are totally grown the typical 16% layer feed should do them just penalty for a lot of the year.
When the molt period gets here see to it to increase the healthy protein web content to around 20% to help them with this bumpy ride.
They ought to also have both oyster covering as well as insoluble grit readily available in separate containers.
FAQ
Are Leghorn chickens friendly?
The Best Egg-Layer: They’re generally pleasant, though they can be noisy and a bit hostile sometimes. Leghorns are great layers of white eggs, laying an average of 280 annually and sometimes reaching 300-320. Better egg layer than brooder.
What are the characteristics of Leghorn chicken?
Leghorn hens are very energetic as well as reliable foragers. They are constantly happy to work, searching as well as scraping.
They are prolific layers and seldom go broody and also are non-sitters (unless left uninterrupted). They lay throughout the year and also eggs are white and are of good size
How long do Leghorn chickens live?
Since Leghorn hens are productive egg layers, their life expectancy is less than the standard of a bird – they live to be around 4-6 years old. Leghorn hens are classified as a double purpose type, as they have enough meat to make a decent table bird, as well as being an effective egg layer.
What age do Leghorn chickens lay eggs?
Leghorns, for instance, are among the most effective layers, and production-bred hens such as Pearl-White Leghorns go to the top. You can anticipate them to start laying in between 4-1/2 and also 5 months of age. Most of the white-shell eggs you see at the grocery store were laid by Leghorn hens.
How big do Leghorn chickens get?
According to the British criterion, completely expanded Leghorn dicks weigh 3.4 kg (7.5 pound), chickens 2.5 kg; cockerels evaluate 2.7-2.95 kg and pullets 2-2.25 kg; for bantams the maximum weight is 1020 g for cocks and 910 g for hens. Ring dimension is 18 mm for cocks, 16 mm for hens.
What are Leghorn chickens used for?
Leghorn chickens are most prominent for a dual purpose. They are an effective egg layer, producing between 280-320 eggs every year, they are a respectable meat bird, and likewise make a sprightly yard friend!
Is The Leghorn Right for You?
If you desire a poultry breed that is snuggly and pleasant, in general the Leghorn is not it. While some people claim their family pet Leghorn is cuddly as well as extremely pleasant, the vast bulk are not.
They advanced as feral landrace birds and also have retained a few of that independence.
If you want a chicken that is a normal as well as respected layer as well as does not eat that much– the Leghorn is your bird! The feed to egg proportion is just one of the most effective about, especially if they can free array.
As the Leghorn can be anxious, flighty or timid, I would discourage enabling small children near them unsupervised.
Conclusion
We are all made use of to seeing the white Leghorn with her comically saggy comb.
After reading this short article you now know that there are a lot more varieties to pick from.
If you are looking for an egg laying super star then select the white range as they are the most productive of all.
Just remember though this type is not for every person.
As pullets they can be very manic and also ridiculous– but if you work with them and also try to hand feed them they will certainly settle as they get older.
Once they mature they can be marvelously independent as well as if allowed to free variety they will keep your lawn without insects and seeds.
If you are a seasoned poultry caretaker these birds can be wonderful to elevate and also keep simply because they are so independent.
Own your leghorn chicken? share your story!
I have white leghorns. I picked this breed because I wanted a flighty chicken that was aware of their surroundings to better avoid predators. They are able to fly better than the heavier breeds and this has saved them a few times. I have had them free ranging for two years without one loss. At the time I purchased the bright white birds I did not realize they came in so many other colors. I have now purchased two silver leghorn chicks to add because I feel the color will help camouflage them better. I love the mass production of eggs they provide. My eggs are range from medium to extra large. I have double yoke eggs every now and then and a triple yoke once! I have had no problem with them coming home to roost in their coop at night either. They are very curious and investigate everything that draws their attention. Though they are very friendly they are skittish and do not appreciate being handled. I’m not a person that wants to pet or cuddle my chickens so it’s not a problem with me. I do how ever enjoy watching them peck around the yard checking every nook and cranny out. They are petite and elegant with stunning bright white feathers and eggs. I live in the hot humid south and they have done well with our intense heat with shade and plenty of fresh water. I will stick to this breed and now I’m excited at collected the different color variants to make a interesting colorful flock.