Brown Leghorn
The Chicken Coop Company
Brown Leghorn
The Leghorn chicken, admitted to the American Standard of Perfection in 1874, has its origins in Italy, Denmark, and England. This breed is known for its athleticism, early maturity, hardiness, and non-brooding nature, making it an excellent layer of large to extra-large white eggs. Leghorns are prolific egg producers, often laying around 280 eggs annually, with some reaching up to 300-320. With a highly efficient feed-to-egg conversion ratio, these chickens require only about 125 grams of feed per day.
Leghorns are ideally suited for free-range farming or organic egg production due to their active and efficient foraging skills. Their lack of broodiness ensures continuous egg production, making them a reliable choice for those focused on egg-laying rather than meat production. Though light in weight and not typically raised for meat, Leghorns are quick to mature and are exceptional at avoiding predators, making them one of the best choices for free-range environments. However, they tend to be nervous and flighty, often avoiding human contact.
The Brown Leghorn is just one of the many heritage chicken breeds available at The Chicken Coop Company, perfect for those seeking high-quality, heritage chickens.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What color eggs do Brown Leghorns lay?
Brown Leghorns, renowned for their beautiful feather patterns, lay white eggs. They possess the same productive qualities and energetic nature as their white counterparts but feature slightly larger bodies adorned with striking feathers.
How do Brown Leghorns differ from White Leghorns?
The primary difference between Brown and White Leghorns is size. Brown Leghorns are considerably larger. For instance, while I can easily hold a White Leghorn upside-down in one hand, this isn't possible with a Brown Leghorn. Save the image below for a handy reference.
What is the lifespan of Brown Leghorns?
Brown Leghorns, like many high-egg-laying breeds, have a relatively short lifespan, typically around 6 years. Their rapid egg production contributes to this shorter life span. As with all pet birds, they are susceptible to lice and mites.
Do Leghorns grow quickly?
White Leghorns are especially useful for research due to their rapid growth and high sensitivity to changes in diet or environment. They mature quickly, often within less than a year, making them a model for various studies.
Are Brown Leghorns aggressive?
Generally, Brown Leghorns are not aggressive. However, if you're integrating them into a mixed flock, it’s best to pair them with breeds of similar temperament rather than more docile varieties.
Brown Leghorn Facts
- Poultry Show Class: Mediterranean Class
- Weights: Hen ——-4 1/2 lbs
- Rooster—-6 lb
- Pullet——-4 lbs
- Cockerel—5 lbs
- Purpose and Type: Egg Laying; Production
- Egg Shell Color: White
- Egg Production: 220-300 eggs per year (estimates only)
- Egg Size: Large to Extra Large
- Temperament: Very Active
- Gender Accuracy: 80-85%
- Fertility Percentage: 60-75%
- Broody: Non Setter
- Mating Ratio: 12 Females to 1 Male
- Roost Height: 4 to 8 feet
- Country of Origin: Italy
- APA: Yes, Recognized by American Standard of Perfection in 1874.
- TLC: Recovery chicken breed status, Considered a sustainable heritage chicken breed
- BREEDER FARM SOURCE: Poultry Breeding Farm has been developing our bloodline or strain of pure Brown Leghorn since 1976.