The origins of the Leghorn are rather hazy, as it is among the most ancient of chicken breeds, having been kept as far back as Roman times.

What we do know is the history of the breed upon its arrival in the United States. The first importation of Leghorns was in 1835, when N.P. Ward of New York took a fancy to the brown variety and had a few shipped in. These hens were almost immediately a resounding success, as they could not be beat for egg production. White Leghorns found their way into America soon afterward, most of the importations occurring between 1840 and 1845.

While the earliest Leghorns in America were sometimes criticized for their small eggs, this problem was gradually resolved in subsequent decades. Meanwhile, the black color variety was developed, as was another version called “Dominique,” not to be confused with the heavy breed of the same name. Another development that arose on our shores was the creation of rose-combed versions of both the whites and the browns.

By 1930, it was estimated that 37% of all chickens in the United States were Leghorns. They were wildly successful in the more industrial model of egg production that was becoming prevalent in North America, and they were useful in creating commercial hybrids.

Even today, the Leghorn still dominates the poultry industry in both North America and Europe. It has diverged into three distinct types: the industrial type famous for massive egg output, the exhibition type for the fancier, and the old-line type reflective of the Leghorn kept on farms prior to industrialization. This latter type is far less common than the first two, and is regarded as being in need of conservation, as is the somewhat rare brown color variety.

Uses

The Leghorn is first and foremost the breed of choice for laying in a confinement system due to its superior conversion of feed to white eggs. It is also important commercially for developing layer hybrids, some proprietary and others, such as the Red Star, favored by backyard producers.

On a smaller scale, the Leghorn does have many adherents due to its high levels of production. Also, at Easter, it has a distinct advantage over many dual-purpose breeds in that it lays white eggs.

Although small, Leghorn roosters can make acceptable fryers.

Temperament

On the whole, the Leghorn is an active, energetic breed that tends to be a little noisy. Within this broad theme, there is a fair amount of variation, mostly tied to color variety. The reds, for instance, are more likely than the other varieties to apply their activity to maintaining a self-controlled alertness that gives them an edge in outwitting predators, while the whites sometimes take active, energetic, and noisy to the verge of hysteria.

Health

Leghorns vary in their general health. Industrial stocks tend to be short-lived, and show lines have also suffered when it comes to overall vigor. The traditional bloodlines, however, retain their innate hardiness.

Leghorns of all backgrounds are susceptible to frostbite due to their large, floppy combs. Draft-free shelter is a must in winter.

Pros

• Suitability for temperate and hot climates.
• Ability to escape predators better than most chicken breeds.
• Ability to produce well in confinement.
• Feed efficiency.
• Foraging ability of traditional bloodlines.
• Early maturity.
• Exceptionally prolific and very reliable egg production.

Cons

• Noise.
• Ability as escape artists.
• Lack of hardiness in the more common bloodlines.
• Susceptibility to cold.
• Lack of brooding instinct (although this does increase egg production).
• Small carcass.

Complete Series

Chicken Breeds