Leghorn chickens are one of the most popular breeds of chickens raised for egg production. They are known for their high egg-laying capabilities and hardiness. But Leghorns have more to offer than just eggs. Here’s an overview of everything Leghorn chickens are good for.
Egg Production
Egg production is the main reason Leghorn chickens are so popular among backyard chicken keepers and commercial egg farms. On average, Leghorns lay about 280 eggs per year. That’s 4-5 eggs per week. Some Leghorn hens are exceptional layers and can produce closer to 300 eggs annually.
Not only are Leghorns very productive egg layers, but they start laying eggs at a younger age than most breeds. Leghorn pullets will usually start laying eggs around 16-20 weeks old. Compare that to other common dual-purpose breeds like Rhode Island Reds that typically don’t start laying until 6-7 months old.
The egg-laying abilities of Leghorns make them ideal for both small and large-scale egg production. Whether you want a consistent supply of eggs for your family or are interested in selling eggs at the farmers market, Leghorns are up to the task.
Meat Production
While Leghorns aren’t known for being a good meat chicken breed, their meat can still be useful for the small-scale producer. Leghorn roosters and hens that have stopped laying can provide meat for the table.
Leghorn meat is lean and slightly tough since these chickens are light-weight and very active foragers. Their small carcass size also limits their meat production compared to breeds developed specifically for meat like Cornish Cross. But the meat of spent Leghorn hens makes flavorful chicken soup or casseroles.
| Breed | Live Weight | Carcass Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Leghorn Rooster | 5-6 lbs | 3-4 lbs |
| Leghorn Hen | 4-5 lbs | 2-3 lbs |
As shown in the table above, the live weight and carcass weight of Leghorns is relatively small compared to commercial broiler chickens. But Leghorn meat can still supplement a family’s protein needs when harvested at the right time.
Foraging Ability
Leghorns are excellent foragers that thrive in free-range environments. Their light body weight and active temperament motivate them to cover a lot of ground while scratching and pecking for bugs, seeds, and greens.
The foraging nature of Leghorns makes them ideal for controlling pests and weeds. When allowed to free range, Leghorns will devour ticks, slugs, small rodents, and problem weeds. This helps reduce the need for chemical pest control methods.
The vigorous foraging of Leghorns also leads to a diet rich in plants, insects, and nutrients. This diverse diet results in more nutrient-dense eggs with bright orange yolks. Pastured Leghorn eggs contain higher levels of vitamins A, E, and B12 compared to eggs from confined chickens eating only commercial feed.
Cold Hardy
Leghorns have a reputation for being a cold hardy chicken breed. Their rose combs and large, bright red wattles are less prone to frostbit in winter. And their small body size makes it easier for them to retain body heat.
The cold hardiness of Leghorns allows them to continue laying eggs through cold winter months. While many breeds’ egg production drops off when temperatures dip, Leghorns will keep cranking out 4-5 eggs per week all winter long.
If you live in an area with harsh winters and want a productive winter egg layer, Leghorns are an excellent option. Just be sure to offer extra calories during cold months since their high metabolism burns a lot of energy to stay warm.
Heat Tolerance
On the flip side, Leghorns tolerate heat very well also. Their large comb and wattle areas provide ample skin surface area for heat dissipation. This is essential because Leghorns are very active chickens that generate a lot of internal body heat.
Leghorns originating from Italy are accustomed to hot Mediterranean climates. So they thrive in the high temperatures of southern states. As long as they have access to shade and cool water, Leghorns continue laying through hot summers.
For homesteaders dealing with both cold winters and hot summers, Leghorns are a great dual-purpose choice. Their ability to handle temperature extremes allows reliable year-round egg production.
Broodiness
Leghorns are known for being non-broody chickens. This means they have little inclination to sit on a nest of eggs to hatch and raise chicks. While most hens go broody at some point, this behavior is quite rare in Leghorns.
The lack of broodiness in Leghorns is advantageous for egg production. Broody hens stop laying eggs completely while sitting on a nest for 21+ days. So non-broody Leghorn hens avoid these 2-3 week breaks in egg laying.
However, the non-broody nature of Leghorns also makes natural breeding difficult. Without a broody hen to incubate the eggs, a mechanical incubator is necessary for hatching new chicks. But for homesteaders focused solely on egg production, the non-broody trait of Leghorns is a big plus.
Feed Efficiency
One of the reasons White Leghorns are the most popular commercial egg laying breed is their excellent feed-to-egg conversion ratio. Leghorns have been selectively bred to turn feed into eggs very efficiently.
This feed efficiency makes Leghorns economical to raise for eggs. They can subsist on modest amounts of feed while still maintaining high egg yields. Less feed wasted on body maintenance means more nutrients available for egg production.
The feed efficiency of Leghorns results in lower feed costs per dozen eggs. By optimizing the ratio of feed input to egg output, Leghorns offer an economical laying hen for the commercial egg farmer.
Flightiness
Leghorns are known for being relatively flighty, nervous chickens. Their lightweight structure and high metabolism lends itself to skittish behaviors.
On one hand, the flighty nature of Leghorns motivates them to be active foragers covering a lot of territory. But their nervous tendencies also make Leghorns a challenge to catch and handle.
For homesteaders who plan to handle their chickens frequently, the nervous personality of Leghorns could be a downside. But their active foraging benefits often outweigh the flighty behaviors for small-scale egg producers.
Prolific Breed
Leghorns are a very prolific breed, meaning they have a strong reproductive drive and reach optimal egg laying age quickly.
As mentioned previously, Leghorn pullets often start laying eggs at 16-20 weeks of age. That’s 4-5 months sooner than slower developing heritage breeds. The impressive early egg production of Leghorns gets your homestead egg supply established quickly.
Leghorns also tend to have longer production lives than other breeds. While the peak laying period is 1-3 years, Leghorns frequently continue laying over 5 years. The longest recorded production lifespan for a Leghorn is 10 years.
For both homesteaders and commercial farms, the outstanding productivity and longevity of Leghorns is a huge asset. This prolific breed offers optimal egg laying performance over a long and productive life.
White Eggs
Leghorns lay large sized eggs with a white shell color. The white eggs appeal to commercial egg producers since they create uniformity in cartons of one dozen eggs.
But egg color is just a cosmetic factor that doesn’t impact egg nutrition or taste. The key attribute is the large egg size of Leghorns, averaging 55-65 grams. Whether you prefer the look of white or brown eggs, Leghorns produce an ample egg for baking and cooking uses.
Conclusion
When it comes to reliable egg production, it’s hard to beat Leghorn chickens. Their high productivity, early maturation, feed efficiency, and weather hardiness make them a top choice for many homestead and commercial egg farmers.
While Leghorns aren’t the most personable backyard chicken, their energetic foraging provides pest control benefits. And the meat of spent hens can supplement the family’s protein intake.
For those prioritizing egg yield over meat production or docile pet qualities, Leghorns are an ideal breed. They will reward you with abundant eggs to feed your family or sell for years to come.