The Hardworking Leghorn Chicken

The Leghorn chicken may be one of America's most popular breeds, but this hardworking chicken has its roots deep in the Mediterranean near the Italian port city of Livorno. Leghorns arrived in America in 1870. You may recognize them from the Warner Bros. classic, Looney Toons, where the loudmouthed Foghorn Leghorn is often up to no good. Learn what makes this bird special and if a Leghorn is the backyard companion for you. 

Appearance and TemperamentThe Leghorn comes in over 16 color varieties with white being the most common. Other common colorings include combinations of black, brown, white, silver, and rose combs. They are an active and resourceful bird that often finds food independently by foraging. They have a nervous nature and like room to roam and enjoy flying high. Because of their active, noisy nature, Leghorns may not do as well confined in small, urban spaces with nearby neighbors. 

Overall Health and Care Overall, Leghorns are a healthy breed with very few health issues. To maintain your Leghorn's robust combs, you may need to apply Vaseline on their combs to prevent frostbite and wattles. Always provide food and water for your Leghorn (you may need to keep a heater near their water during the winter months to prevent freezing). Provide your Leghorn a coop with at least 3 square feet per chicken and a soft bedding of cedar shavings, hay, or shredded newspaper. 

Egg ProductionLeghorns produce, on average, 200 to 300 eggs per year! This makes the Leghorn an exceptional breed if you are looking to sell your eggs. As a side note, these chickens produce white eggs as opposed to brown eggs. Because of the Leghorn's productivity, their lifespan is shorter than many other birds. The average lifespan of this breed is, on average, 4-6 years.

If you have plenty of space and want a breed that can produce large amounts of eggs, the Leghorn may be for you. While they may not be as cuddly and friendly as other breeds, they work hard with little maintenance. Popworms! has everything you need to raise healthy, happy chickens. Check us out today and see all we have to offer!