White Leghorn Rooster
Brown Leghorn Hen
Leghorn
The leghorns, which originated in Italy, made their way to
North American around 1835 and then back across the Atlantic to Britain in the
1870s. Birds of that first importation are thought to have died out in North
America. The Leghorns here now were reintroduced in the 1850s.
The breed has been popular in the world, thanks to the birds
exceptional laying abilities and adaptability and hardiness. They do well in
confinement and free range environment.
The American Breeders Association recognizes 24 varieties of
Leghorns. All varieties have large, prominent eyes, and fairly long, full
tails. Leghorns are early to mature and lay lots of white eggs, known as one of
the best layers. Hens rarely go broody.
Leghorn roosters average weight is 6 pounds and hens around
4.5 pounds. There are two varieties of combs, single red, medium with five
distinct points. On the male all points stand straight up and on the female the
first one stands and other four droop. And then there is the rose comb,
medium-size, square at the front into well developed spikes. The Leghorn has
red waddles and white earlobes. These are sometimes called ear rings.
All leghorns lay white eggs, but their body color
and breeding come in many varieties. Here are some, barred, black, black
tailed, blue, buff buff colombian, columbian, dark brown, dominique, exchequer,
golden, light brown, mille fleur, red, silver, white
