The Leghorn is a very old pure breed chicken and the Hybrid version is just as lovely. They are prolific laying hens and will lay 300+ large white eggs a year. They are smaller than the usual Hybrid hen and although a little flighty are full of character and very friendly. They are sturdy, hardy and make lovely garden hens, happy free roaming or in a smaller set up they are ideal for first time keepers or in a mixed breed flock. *Please note, hybrid hens are cross bred and as such about 10% may not lay the specified coloured egg, if you want a guaranteed egg colour then opt for a pure breed chicken*
Leghorn Hybrid Chickens at a Glance
Suitable with most (see the guide)
Large 150 -200 White Eggs PA
1
2
3
4
5
1
Smaller Large Breed
2
Featherless Legs and Feet
3
Visible Combes and Wattles
4
Long Elegant Neck
5
Long Tail Feathers
The Leghorn chicken is perhaps the best laying hen available, they are known for laying over 330 eggs a year. They are a very sweet bird, a little flighty but incredibly inquisitive, because they are a little flighty they will need a calm and patient hand. Leghorns are confident, sturdy, disease resistant chickens. They are suited in mixed breed flocks as they are gentle in nature and not known to bully or be aggressive. They are not the cuddliest of breeds, but with time can become very tame and will take food from your hand. The perfect bird to add to a bantam flock for lots of lovely fresh eggs.
Hybrid Leghorn hens are great all round birds, they love to forage and free range but are equally as happy in a smaller garden set up, however, would need lots of grass time. Nutrition is important for hybrid chickens, they need a good layers’ pellet and extra treats with calcium, vitamin D and B12 to enable them to produce lots of lovely fresh eggs. You will need to ensure your area has feed and water available at all times. Leghorns make lovely garden chickens, they can be slightly so you may need to clip their wings or have them in an enclosed run, they are not known for being aggressive and can be mixed with most other breeds.