White Leghorn Chickens(cross)
Price: Our prices are very competitive but do vary from batch to batch. Please call the store to confirm the current price.
Availability: To confirm availability and pricing, please call our Sydney Store on 97475713. All our pets are for in-store pick-up 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 crossbreed is not as large as the purebreds and is all white in colour, and has a nice sleek look. These hens are also lighter in body weight and consume less feed, making them more efficient and economical in egg production.
Our Leghorns typically reach around 17 weeks of age, although their age can vary slightly.
Leghorn Chickens take longer to begin laying eggs than our popular Isa Brown Breed. Leghorns typically start laying eggs at about 26 to 28 weeks old, whereas Isa brown chooks begin at 22 weeks.
If you can't wait for your chooks to start laying, it's 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 colours, 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 that combines excellent egg production with high-quality meat. 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 and 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 are 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 renowned egg layers, but if you want the best egg layers, it's best to go with the Isa Browns. Regarding other considerations, such as temperament, the three breeds we sell are very similar, and you are more likely to find significant differences between individual birds than between the breeds of these chickens.
Q. Are your leghorn hens de-beaked, ie had their beaks trimmed?
A. No, since many of our 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, of course, 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 best to source such poultry.
Q. I recently bought a White Leghorn and Black Australorp, but they don't seem to meet the club standards that I've 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 intended for show. Unless you are looking to compete in a show competition, these club standards are not relevant to you. Please note that these standards are purely cosmetic and do not affect the bird's health.