While the Leghorn chicken breed is amazing at laying eggs, it’s not one to cuddle with you. In fact, Leghorns can be flighty and often avoid human contact. They’re not much for mothering, which is partly why their egg production is so high. It can have either a single comb or rose comb. It’s classified as a light breed.
- ColorRose Comb Black, Single Comb Black, Rose Comb Buff, Single Comb Buff, Rose Comb Dark Brown, Single Comb Dark Brown, Rose Comb Light Brown, Single Comb Light Brown, Rose Comb Silver, Single Comb Silver, Rose Comb White, Single Comb White
- Skin ColorYellow
- LifespanAbout 4 to 6 years
- Weight4.5 to 6 pounds
Origin
The Leghorn originated in Italy and is in the Mediterranean class of chickens, which means it’s on the noisier side. However, it’s also known as being an economical eater that really enjoys foraging.
Housing And Care
Housing for Leghorns is the same as all chickens need. A chicken coop or shed must provide safety, perches, nest boxes, room to move, be dry, and be ventilated but not drafty. It must contain accessories, such as water and food dispensers. Chickens also require an area for dust bathing, which could be in a run that is part of the coop, attached to the coop, or a fenced area adjacent to the coop.
Food is another basic necessity. Nutritious food is a must. Some chicken breeds also forage when given access to safe, fenced-in areas. Foraging is enjoyable and a fun activity for some breeds, but foraging can never take the place of nutritious chicken food. Supplements also help for different needs. We humbly suggest Booster Berries Enrich for egg laying support, Booster Berries Radiate for feather health, and Booster Berries Senior for older chickens.
Showing And Personality
The first few varieties of Leghorn were recognized by the American Poultry Association in 1874, the first year it published its Standard Of Perfection. It is available in both bantam and large fowl sizes. The Leghorn is in the Recovering category on the Conservation Priority List published by The Livestock Conservancy.
All chickens are individuals. Temperament, noise level, egg production, size, and other characteristics can vary. The information below is for the large fowl Leghorn, not the smaller bantam.
Leghorn Chicken Overview
Purpose: Egg laying
Egg Production: Excellent (250 to 300 eggs per year)
Egg Size & Color: Medium to large, white
Skin Color: Yellow
Size: Classified as Large Fowl by the American Poultry Association; Listed as 4.5 to 6 pounds by Livestock Conservancy
Temperament: Energetic and somewhat independent
Noise Level: On the noisier side
Climate Needs: Best in warmer climates
Origin: Italy (Mediterranean class)
Recognized Varieties: Rose Comb Black, Single Comb Black, Rose Comb Buff, Single Comb Buff, Rose Comb Dark Brown, Single Comb Dark Brown, Rose Comb Light Brown, Single Comb Light Brown, Rose Comb Silver, Single Comb Silver, Rose Comb White, Single Comb White
