Leghorn chickens are renowned for their remarkable egg-laying capabilities, making them a popular choice among chicken enthusiasts and commercial egg producers alike.
Table of Contents
These heritage breed chickens consistently demonstrate exceptional productivity, exceeding the egg-laying performance of many other breeds. Leghorns are recognized for their delightful personalities, self-assured nature, and overall companionship.
However, it is their ability to lay a significant number of eggs that truly sets them apart as high-production egg layers. In fact, a white Leghorn chicken holds the world record for the most eggs laid in a year, with an astounding 371 eggs in just 364 days. While this achievement may be exceptional, even the average Leghorn hen exhibits impressive egg production. These chickens typically lay between 4 to 5+ eggs per week, averaging between 250 to 300 eggs annually.
The eggs they produce are large and white, weighing approximately 2 ounces each. Leghorns are known for their consistent egg-laying throughout the year and are not particularly prone to broodiness, making them highly reliable as egg layers.
Whether you are new to raising Leghorns or considering adding them to your flock, their prolific egg-laying capabilities make them an excellent choice for those seeking a consistent and abundant supply of eggs.
About Leghorn Chickens
Leghorn roosters grow to about 7 lbs (3.2 kgs) and hens grow to 5.5 lbs (2.5 kgs).
Leghorns originated in England, Holland, and Italy. Originally, they were called Italians. Their exact origins are unknown. In 1852 they were brought to the USA by Captain Gates.
As they were bred two classes of opinions arose: those that wanted form and function and those who valued only egg production.
Physical Features of Leghorn Chickens
Although white leghorns are the most easily recognized, they come in up to 10 colors and 17 color varieties. Their comb can be a single or a rose comb.
The colors that Leghorns come in include light and brown, white, black, buff, silver, golden, Columbian, barred and exchequer. They have long bodies and flowing tails.
Non-commercial Leghorns were admitted to the American Poultry Association in 1873. There are several recognized colors including light and dark brown, white, black, buff, silver, red, black-tailed red, Columbian, and golden duckwing.
Non-commercial Leghorns are considered a heritage chicken. They usually lie between 4-6 years naturally.
Caring For Your Leghorn Chickens
Leghorns are nervous, active and not friendly to humans. Even when raised as chicks, it is difficult to tame leghorns as much as other friendlier breeds.
They like to fly and roost in trees. They forage well but do well in confinement as long as they have more space. They are ambitious birds and are very hardy on any soil type.
If they don’t have enough coop space, they will get bored and bully other chickens. They are noisy and high strung.They are hardy in the winter. But, their comb can get frostbitten so extra care will be needed. Otherwise, they tolerate heat and cold well. They have no common health issues.
they tolerate heat and cold well. They have no common health issues.
| Climate | Personality | Use | Size | Eggs/ Yr | Brooder | Forages |
| Hot & Cold | Active | Eggs | M: 7 lbs
F: 5.5 lbs | 280-320 | No | Yes |
- High egg layers
- Very hardy birds
- Great Foragers
Because they are one of the strongest egg laying chicken breeds, they have been used as a foundational breed for many other breeds, including the Cream Legbar chicken, a breed that lays light blue eggs.
My Favorite Chicken and Duck Supplies
This list contains affiliate products. Affiliate products do not cost more but helps to support BestFarmAnimals and our goal to provide farm animal owners with accurate and helpful information.
Manna Pro Oyster Shell keeps eggs strong. Before I gave my chickens oyster shell, I had the oddest eggs, many with weak and irregular shells. Now, I don’t have an issue.
Layer Feed by Manna Pro. I like pellets rather than crumbles as my chickens eat them better and less gets wasted or scavenged by rodents. A good layer feed makes the difference in hens laying many more eggs.
My chickens love this mealworm treat, which gives added protein, something that’s great during molting and winter months.
There are many ways to feed and water your chickens. I like this food and water setup the best because it reduces waste, saves me time feeding and watering, and keeps the food fresh longer. Except, in the winter, I use a heated waterer. The only problem is the heated waterers need to be replaced every few years.
I love this chicken veggie hanger. It makes it easy to give your chickens produce from the garden and keep them occupied in the winter with a fresh head of lettuce.
These chicken toys are a hoot! They will help curb bullying and keep your chickens active, especially in the winter when hens tend to get more lethargic.