Leghorn Chicken: Characteristics, Temperament, Uses

Leghorn chicken is a Mediterranean chicken breed originating in rural Tuscany, in central Italy. In 1828 form the port city of Livorno, Leghorn chickens were first exported to North America.

By 1865 this chicken breed was known as “Leghorn” (the traditional anglicisation of “Livorno”). But before that time they were initially called “Italians”.

And in 1870 this chicken breed was first introduced to Britain from the United States of America and from there re-exported to Italy. Nowadays, white Leghorn chickens are very popular and commercially used layer birds in many countries of the world.

And other Leghorn chicken varieties are less common. American Standard of Perfection included this breed in 1874 with three color varieties (black, brown and white).

They added rose comb light and dark brown variety in 1883, the rose comb white variety in 1886, the single comb buff and silver variety in 1894 and red, black-tailed red Colombian variety in 1989.

And the buff, silver, golden duckwing and rose comb black were added in 1981. Characteristics, behavior and full breed profile of Leghorn chicken is listed below.

Leghorn Chicken Characteristics

Ten color varieties are recognized in Italy, where the Livorno breed standard is recent. The Italiana is a separate Italian standard for the German Leghorn variety.

The French poultry federation divides the breed into four types: the American white, the English white, the old type (golden-salmon) and the modern type. And they listed 17 color variants for full-size birds and 14 for bantams.

The French poultry federation also recognizes an autosexing variety, the Cream Legbar. Both the American Bantam Association (ABA) and the American Poultry Association recognize numerous number of Leghorn varieties.

Most of the Leghorn chickens have single combs. In some countries rose combs are permitted, but not in Italy. Leghorn chickens have white ear-lobes and their legs are bright yellow.

Fully grown Leghorn roosters weigh 3.4 kg, hens 2.5 kg, cockerels weigh 2.7–2.95 kg and pullets 2–2.25 kg and for the bantams variety the maximum weight is 1.02 kg  for the roosters and 0.91 kg for hens (according to the British standard). But the Italian standard gives a weight range of 2.4–2.7 kg for roosters, 2.0–2.3 kg for hens.

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Leghorn chicken lay big white eggs and they are among the good layers. Leghorn hens lay an average of 280 eggs per year and sometimes reaching 300-320.

This chicken breed become mature quickly and they have a very good feed to egg conversion ratio. On an average, each bird need around 125 grams of feed daily. But Leghorn chicken is not good for meat production.

Behavior/Temperament

Leghorn chickens are very active and efficient foragers. They are always willing to work, hunting and scratching. They are prolific layers and rarely go broody and are non-sitters (unless left undisturbed). They lay throughout the year and eggs are white and are of good size.

They grow faster and mature quickly. Leghorn chicks are very easy to rear and they feather up quickly. They can be allowed to roam freely (but they are just happy in a run).

Their comb is large so care needs to be taken in cold, frosty weather to avoid frostbite. They are pretty noisy and will roost in trees if allowed to roam freely. They are prolific layers but not good for meat production.

Breed NameLeghorn
Other NameNone
Breed PurposeEgg Layer
Breed TemperamentFriendly, Bears Confinement well, Calm, Flighty, Noisy, Shy, Very Active
Breed SizeLarge Fowl
BroodinessSeldom
CombSingle Comb
Climate ToleranceAll Climates
Egg ColorWhite
Egg SizeLarge
Egg ProductivityVery High
Feathered LegsNo
RarityWhite Leghorns are common other varieties are less common
VarietiesBarred, Black, Blue, Buff, Buff Columbian, Dark Brown, Exchequer, Light Brown, White, Silver

The Good

  • Beautiful
  • Calm
  • Curious
  • Easy to raise chicks
  • Eats very little
  • Friendly
  • Great forager
  • Great Layers
  • Grow very fast
  • Lays large white eggs

The Bad

  • Can be assertive
  • Fighty
  • Noisy
  • Not broody and hens are not good mothers
  • Not good for meat production

Is Leghorn Chicken Good for You?

Yes, Leghorn chickens are good for you if you…….

  • Want to raise beautiful chickens.
  • Are willing to have some chickens which lay more eggs throughout the year.
  • Prefer white colored chickens and eggs.
  • Want to have some fast growing and early maturing chickens.
  • Want to have some calm and friendly chickens.
  • Are looking for some such chickens which are great forager and very active.
  • Are looking for such chicken breed which is very easy to raise and handle.
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Frequently Asked Questions

People ask many questions about Leghorn chickens. Here we are listing most common questions about this beautiful chicken breed, and trying to answer them. Hope you will find your answer. Don’t hesitate to ask us if you have more questions.

Is Leghorn chicken farming profitable?

Yes, raising these chickens commercially is a very profitable business. You can make good profits from this business. Many people are earning their livelihood from raising these chickens commercially. It’s a very profitable business.

How to start commercial Leghorn chicken farming business?

Starting commercial production of these chickens is very easy and simple. You can easily start a commercial production of these chickens, even if you are a beginner. Just select a good farm area for your birds, purchase good quality chickens, arrange a good housing system for them, feed them good quality and nutritious food and always try to take good care of them.

What are Leghorn chickens known for?

The Leghorn chickens are known and popular for their egg laying capability and also for their white feathers. It is a very popular breed throughout the world. Leghorn is a very hardy breed of domestic chicken it is highly efficient in foraging for food.

How long do Leghorn chickens lay eggs?

A good Leghorn hen lay up to 300 eggs per year for up to 2-3 years. After that, their eggs production decreased and lay for next 4-6 years.

What size eggs do Leghorns lay?

Exact size of the eggs depends on the Leghorn variety. But most of the varieties lay a large white egg that weighs around 2 ounces. It is common for the already large egg to get larger as the chicken ages.

How many eggs does a Leghorn lay per day?

A Leghorn hen lay only one egg per day. Their eggs are of large size and generally white in color.

Do Leghorn eggs taste different?

No, their eggs taste almost same like other chicken’s eggs. But taste of the egg only change mainly because of a hen’s diet and the egg’s freshness.

Do Leghorns get along with other chickens?

Yes, some Leghorns get along very well with other chicken breeds.

Are Leghorns the best egg layers?

Yes, the Leghorn hens are among the best egg-layers. A hen generally lay an average of 280 to 320 eggs per year.

How cold is too cold for Leghorn chickens?

The Leghorn is a very cold hardy chicken. These birds can generate enough heat to keep themselves and their flock mates warm.

Do Leghorns do well in winter?

The Leghorn is a very cold hardy chicken. These birds can generate enough heat to keep themselves and their flock mates warm.

How many eggs a week do Leghorns lay?

A Leghorn hen can lay around or up to 4 eggs per week.

How many eggs will a Leghorn lay per year?

White Leghorn hens can lay up to 300 medium white eggs per year.

How much feed does a Leghorn need?

Generally a mature Leghorn chicken require around or up to 64 grams of food daily.

How much space does a Leghorn need?

The Leghorn is a medium sized breed of domestic chicken. These birds generally require around or upto 3 square feet coop or housing space per bird.

Can a Leghorn lay a brown egg?

No, the Leghorn hens generally lay white colored eggs.

At what age do Leghorn start laying eggs?

Generally the Leghorns start laying eggs after their 5 months of age.

What are Leghorn chickens used for?

Leghorn is a dual-purpose breed, but it is popular and used mainly for eggs production. A Leghorn hen can lay around or upto 300 eggs per year.

How long do Leghorn hens live?

Average lifespan of a Leghorn chicken is around or up to 6 years.

How long do Leghorns produce eggs?

Leghorn hens lay eggs profitably for up to 2-3 years.

Can Leghorn be eaten?

Yes, the Leghorns can be eaten, but their primary purpose is for egg production.

What are the characteristics of Leghorn chickens?

Most of the Leghorn chickens have single combs. In some countries rose combs are permitted, but not in Italy. Leghorn chickens have white ear-lobes and their legs are bright yellow. Fully grown Leghorn roosters weigh 3.4 kg, hens 2.5 kg, cockerels weigh 2.7–2.95 kg and pullets 2–2.25 kg and for the bantams variety the maximum weight is 1.02 kg for the roosters and 0.91 kg for hens (according to the British standard). But the Italian standard gives a weight range of 2.4–2.7 kg for roosters, 2.0–2.3 kg for hens. Leghorn chicken lay big white eggs and they are among the good layers. Leghorn hens lay an average of 280 eggs per year and sometimes reaching 300-320.

2 thoughts on “Leghorn Chicken: Characteristics, Temperament, Uses”

  1. How many eggs do a leghorn chicken lay per week? Are leghorn chickens good for raising in backyard? I will be obliged if you answer these question. Thanks

    1. Leghorn chickens are known for their excellent egg-laying abilities. On average, a Leghorn chicken can lay approximately 4 to 6 eggs per week. However, individual egg production can vary based on factors such as the chicken’s age, health, diet, and environmental conditions. Younger hens tend to lay fewer eggs initially and gradually increase their egg production as they mature. Proper nutrition and a stress-free environment can also contribute to higher egg production in Leghorn chickens.

      Leghorn chickens can be raised in a backyard setting, but they may not be the best choice for everyone, depending on your specific goals and preferences. If you prioritize high egg production and have a relatively spacious and secure backyard setup, Leghorn chickens can be a good choice. However, if you’re seeking a more docile or family-friendly breed, you might want to explore other options. Always consider your specific needs, climate, and preferences when selecting chickens for your backyard flock. Good luck!

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