Leghorn Chickens – Popular Amongst Chicken Breeds

There are all different kinds of chicken breeds throughout the country and around the world. These breeds range from small to large, white to brown to black or spotted and everything in between. One of the most common types of poultry breeds, however, is known as a Leghorn. These chickens are actually quite interesting and they are actually quite popular among chicken keepers and breeders for a great many reasons. Wikipedia reports leghorn chickens as having originated in Italy, then spreading to the United States and Britain in the late 1800s.  We’ll get into some of their interesting characteristics shortly, but first let’s talk about where you’ll be able to find these birds.

Leghorn chickens can be purchased in many different ways. You can look for a breeder or you can visit agriculture shows and festivals. You will be able to see an assortment of different animals there and may be able to find a leghorn that you really like. Many farm supply stores may also have chickens of all different breeds during the breeding season where you would be able to purchase chicks rather than full grown chickens. It’s entirely up to you where you look but there are plenty of different options so don’t settle for something you’re not entirely sure of. You want to get good birds and that means keeping your eyes open.  Being able to keep in contact with the person who sold you the chicken can be an advantage, should you need advice or assistance when you’re starting out.  A good breeder should be happy to set you confidently on your way.

Leghorn Characteristics

Leghorns actually come in all different colors. You can find them in white, brown, spotted and more. They tend to be average sized chickens and also tend to be quite interesting characters. This is because most people report their Leghorns are not just the type of chicken to lie around in their pen and simply lay eggs. These chickens actually tend to become more like pets to the family and grow attachments to members of the family, following them around and actively seeking out attention which not many other chicken breeds will do. It seems to be an interesting trait of the Leghorn.

Leghorn chickens are popular amongst chicken breeds

Leghorn chickens are popular amongst chicken breeds

This chicken is very popular because of its friendly attitude and it is one of the best breeds of chickens in the way that it is capable of laying eggs frequently and reliably. In fact many owners of this type of chicken say that it lays a lot of eggs for just one chicken and that it produces great quality eggs as well. Another benefit is that they are a quite calm breed with an animated and intelligent style to them. They like to wander about and they seem to enjoy exploring (at least with their favorite member of the family they do).

“It’s going to be like having a new baby around in the beginning when you have baby chicks, but it’s all going to be worth it when you have a great new pet and plenty of excellent quality eggs that are yours all for free, and Leghorn chickens can be a great place to start.”

There are a few drawbacks commonly reported with this type of chicken. Some report that it is a very noisy bird which flaps around quite frequently and also tends to make other loud noises to gain attention. Others state that these birds are rather prone to wandering off and that they tend to get sick quite frequently. As a result this may not be the simplest type of bird to care for and if you are looking for your first chicken you may not want to start out with a Leghorn. They are known to be bossy and can be aggressive and if you aren’t sure what you’re doing they could easily be aggressive enough to give you a decent peck.

The Realities of Raising Chickens

Raising these chickens requires you to be attentive and alert to their needs, as with any pets. They can often get lost or get stuck in small places and that means that you’ll need to be constantly on the lookout for your chickens and where they may have gone off to. You’ll also have to make sure that they are kept secured in their pen at night to keep them from being attacked by wild animals or even the neighbor’s dogs and cats. Remember chickens don’t have a lot in the way of a defense against these predators and that’s why it’s up to you to protect them.

Starting out raising chickens can be difficult. Not everyone is cut out for the job and it most definitely is a job or at least a responsibility that you need to commit to. You need to be ready and willing to care for your chickens and to sacrifice some time and energy – and the more chickens you have, the more time and energy you’ll need to allow. Our post on “The Temptation of Raising Chickens for Eggs” gives some insights into what’s required.  It’s going to be like having a new baby around in the beginning when you have baby chicks, but it’s all going to be worth it when you have a great new pet and plenty of excellent quality eggs that are yours all for free, and Leghorn chickens can be a great place to start.