The Leghorns INTRO HOME TURKEY CHICKEN BREEDER STORY ARTICLE LINK BREEDS OF CHICKENS

By Wayne Smith Copyright 2001

Coming from Leghorn Italy to North America in eighteen forty the Leghorn very rapidly became Americanized. Because of their many qualities this breed has become the most popular chicken in both Canada and the U.S. if not around the world, the single combed white being the most common type. They are not only exceptional layers but are non-sitters so waste no time brooding eggs. What’s more, they will lay more eggs on less feed than any heavy breed and about twenty percent more birds may be kept in the same space, reducing the housing cost. The chicks are easily reared, feather out early, and rapidly mature into hardy medium sized birds, with a quiet and docile disposition. The Leghorn from Italy and the Spanish from Spain likely originated from the same foundation stock and are very similar in body shape with the Leghorn being slightly smaller in size and laying a smaller egg. The Leghorn was recognized as a prolific winter layer shortly after coming to this continent. This combined with its ability to endure the cold winters better than the Spanish made it the choice of egg farmers through out North America. Not only does the Leghorn excel in the laying pen but its trim outline, snappy bright red comb, face, and wattles, deep yellow beak and legs give it a stunning beauty for the show cage. The comb of the hen is also large and lops over to one side. Both sexes carry themselves upright and in a dignified manner Leghorns are now bred in both straight and rose combs and in virtually every color, all with the same good looks. Since the varieties other than the straight combed whites have been bred more for exhibition they are not as a rule as prolific layers as their white cousins. The look of these birds ranging on green grass presents a sight that will catch the attention even of those not especially interested in fowl.

About the author: Wayne Smith is a hobby farmer in South Western Ontario Canada. He got his start in poultry from his father in law Kenneth LeNeve around 1962. Wayne has authored several articles about poultry and related subjects. You may read some of these articles on his web site at http://Jubileeacres.net

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