White Leghorn Chickens(cross)
Price: Our prices are very competitive but do vary from batch to batch. Please call store to confirm current price.
Availability: To be sure of availability and price please call our Sydney Store on 97475713. All our pets are in-store pick only. (Please do NOT email about availability but call instead)
Store Address: 56 Coronation Pde, Enfield NSW. (near Strathfield)
About this breed:
Leghorn chickens make great pets and egg layers. Our Leghorns are a cross between a pure Rhode Island White Hen and a pure White Leghorn Rooster. This cross breed is not as large as the pure breds and are all white in colour and have a nice sleek look. These hens are also lighter in body weight and will eat less, making them more efficient and economical in egg production.
Our Leghorns are normally around 17 weeks of age, but their age does vary.
Leghorn Chickens take longer to begin laying eggs then our popular Isa Brown Breed. Leghorns normally begin laying eggs at about 26 to 28 weeks old, where as Isa brown chooks begin at 22 weeks.
If you cant wait for your chooks to start laying its probably best to stick with the Isa Browns.
Vaccination: Yes our White Leghorn hens are fully vaccinated.
Leghorn Chickens
Origin:
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Leghorns originated in Italy and were later refined in the United States and other countries. They are primarily bred for egg production.
Appearance:
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Leghorns are smaller, lightweight birds with a slender, athletic build. They come in various colors, with the White Leghorn being the most common. They have large combs and wattles, and their earlobes are white.
Temperament:
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Leghorns are active, alert, and somewhat flighty. They are not as docile as Australorps and can be skittish around humans. They are excellent foragers and prefer free-ranging.
Egg Production:
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Leghorns are exceptional layers, producing around 280-320 large, white eggs per year. They are known for their efficiency and ability to lay consistently even in less-than-ideal conditions.
Meat Production:
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Leghorns are not ideal for meat production due to their small size and light build. They are primarily kept for egg-laying purposes.
Hardiness:
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Leghorns are hardy birds but are more suited to warmer climates due to their large combs, which can be prone to frostbite in cold weather. They are generally low-maintenance and disease-resistant.
Comparison Table
| Feature | Australorp | Leghorn | Isa Brown |
|---|---|---|---|
| Origin | Australia | Italy | France |
| Primary Use | Dual-purpose (eggs/meat) | Egg production | Egg production |
| Egg Color | Light brown | White | Brown |
| Egg Production | 250-300/year | 280-320/year | 300-350/year |
| Temperament | Calm, friendly | Active, flighty | Friendly, docile |
| Size | Large, heavy | Small, lightweight | Medium-sized |
| Hardiness | Very hardy | Hardy (prefers warmth) | Very hardy |
| Meat Quality | Good | Poor | Moderate |
Summary
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Australorps are ideal for those seeking a dual-purpose breed with excellent egg production and good meat quality. They are hardy, docile, and adaptable to various climates.
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Leghorns are best for those focused solely on egg production, especially in warmer climates. They are active, efficient layers but less suited for meat production or cold environments.
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Isa Browns are perfect for high egg production in a friendly, low-maintenance bird. They are not typically raised for meat but are excellent layers and adapt well to different conditions.
Each breed has its strengths, so the choice depends on your specific needs (e.g., egg production, meat, temperament, or climate adaptability).
Other Chickens for Sale: Australorps, Isa Browns, Baby Isa Browns. Ducks also available.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q. Out of all the chicken breeds you sell which breed do you recommend as a backyard layer and pet?
A. All three chicken breeds that we sell including the White Leghorns, Black Australorps & Isa-Browns have been selected specifically because they are renown egg layers, but if you want the best egg layers its best to go with the Isa Browns. With regards to other considerations, like temperament etc the 3 breeds we sell are very similar and you are more likely to find more significant differences between individual birds then between the breeds of these chickens.
Q. Are your leghorn hens de-beaked, ie had there beaks trimmed?
A. No, since many of customers prefer their chickens with un-trimmed beaks we only stock chickens with full beaks. Some poultry suppliers do this to prevent their poultry from pecking each other. The birds beaks do grow back ofcoarse, but it can make it difficult for trimmed birds to forage and eat larger grains until their beaks grow back. Note - This is not a guarantee that our poultry will always have un-trimmed beaks, but we always do our very best to source such poultry.
Q. I recently bought a White Leghorn and Black Australorp but they dont seem to meet the club standards that ive read online?
A. The club standards you are referring to relate to breeding poultry breeds for show competition. The birds we sell are egg laying stock and are not showbirds. Unless you are looking to compete in show competition these club standards are not relevant to you. Please note that these standards are only cosmetic and do not relate to the health of the bird.