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The Leghorn chicken, renowned for its exceptional egg-laying abilities, is a popular breed among commercial egg producers and backyard chicken keepers alike. With their sleek bodies, large combs, and alert personalities, Leghorns are instantly recognizable. Originating in Italy, they were further developed in Britain and America in the 19th century. The breed was admitted to the American Poultry Association's Standard of Perfection in 1874.
- Medium-sized birds
- Most common color is white, but other varieties exist
- Yellow legs and skin
- Large, upright single combs or rose combs
- White earlobes
- Slender, athletic build
- Typically weigh around 4-6 pounds
BREED & ORIGIN
Leghorn
&
Italy (further developed in Britain and America
LIFE EXPECTANCY
4-6 years
HEIGHT & WEIGHT
Height: 16-21 inches (40-53 cm)
&
Weight: Roosters: 6 lbs (2.7 kg)
Hens: 4-5 lbs (1.8-2.3 kg)
Chick (0-6 weeks)
Pullet/Cockerel (6-20 weeks)
Layer/Rooster (20+ weeks)
LOW
MEDIUM
HIGH
Temperament
Active, flighty, can be noisy, independent
Activity Level
Very active, excellent foragers
Climate Tolerance
Adapt well to various climates, but prefer warmer weather
Genetic Traits
Excellent egg-laying ability, efficient feed conversion
Egg Laying Capacity
Very high; 280-320 eggs per year
Broodiness
Rarely broody
Feeding
A high-quality layer feed is essential for maintaining their egg production. Supplement with calcium sources like oyster shells for strong eggshells. They are excellent foragers and will benefit from free-ranging opportunities.
Housing
Leghorns require spacious coops with good ventilation. A minimum of 3-4 square feet per bird inside the coop and 8-10 square feet per bird in the run is recommended. They enjoy roosting high, so provide elevated roosts.
Health
Leghorns are generally healthy and robust. However, their large combs make them susceptible to frostbite in cold climates. Regular health checks for common poultry issues like mites and lice are important.
Breeding Practices:
- When breeding Leghorns, select birds with desirable traits such as good egg production, proper body conformation, and vibrant combs. The incubation period for their eggs is about 21 days.
Raising Chicks:
- Leghorn chicks are active and grow quickly. Provide a warm brooder environment (starting at 95°F and gradually decreasing) until they're fully feathered at about 6 weeks. Offer chick starter feed and clean water. Introduce them gradually to the flock when they're big enough to hold their own.
Nutritional Needs:
- Leghorns require a balanced diet high in protein and calcium to support their egg production. Commercial layer feeds usually meet their needs. Supplement with grit for digestion and oyster shells for calcium.
Leghorns have had a significant impact on the commercial egg industry due to their prolific egg-laying abilities and feed efficiency. They're often used in large-scale egg production operations.
Culturally, the Leghorn has become somewhat of an icon, often depicted as the stereotypical white chicken in media and cartoons. Their distinctive appearance and productive nature have made them a symbol of poultry farming.
Category |
Details |
|---|---|
Origin |
Italy (further developed in Britain and America) |
Temperament |
Active, flighty, can be noisy, independent |
Common Health Issues |
Prone to frostbite on combs in cold weather |
Commercial Use |
Primarily used for egg production in large-scale operations |
Backyard Use |
Popular for high egg production, but may be too flighty for some |
Breed Standards |
Admitted to American Poultry Association's Standard of Perfection in 1874 |
Exhibition |
Judged on body type, comb, color, and overall condition |
Breeding Practices |
Focus on maintaining egg production traits and breed standard characteristics |
Role in Culture |
Often depicted as the stereotypical white chicken in media |
Population Status |
Common, not endangered |
Conservation Efforts |
Not typically subject to conservation efforts due to widespread use |
Fertility Rates |
Generally high, but specific rates may vary |
Fertility Rates |
According to a study, Rhode Island Red (RIR) chickens have a fertility rate of 94.5%. The study also found that RIR chickens have a mean hatchability of 64% and that 76.8% of their fertile eggs produce healthy chicks |
Parasite Control |
Standard poultry parasite control measures apply |
Market Value |
Varies, but chicks typically cost $2-$4 each |
Cost of Raising |
Approximately $25-$35 per chicken per year, depending on feed costs and housing |
- Excellent egg production (280-320 eggs per year)
- Feed efficient
- Hardy and adaptable
- Good foragers
- Low maintenance
- Can be flighty and nervous
- Not ideal for meat production
- Rarely broody, not good mothers
- May be too active for small backyard settings
Leghorns typically start laying eggs at around 16-18 weeks of age.