The energetic white Leghorn
At De Meidoornhoeve, we are happy to welcome you to meet our beautiful white Leghorn chickens. This breed is known worldwide as one of the very best layers, and if you love beautiful white eggs, you’ve come to the right place. This chicken is lively, curious, and independent, making it the perfect choice for those primarily aiming for a generous egg production.
Origin of the Leghorn
The Leghorn is originally an Italian breed. Her name refers to the port city of Livorno, which is called “Leghorn” in English, hence the international name. From Italy, she spread across the world in the 19th century, where she quickly became the gold standard for egg production.
It is no coincidence that she forms the basis of many modern laying breeds. Many productive white hybrids are direct descendants. So, if you are looking for a reliable, hardworking layer, choosing this breed means choosing the original.
World leader in white eggs
While most laying breeds produce brown eggs, this breed is the exception: she lays beautiful white eggs, and in impressive numbers. A Leghorn easily produces up to 300 eggs per year, averaging 5 to 6 per week, and starts doing so early, around 18 to 20 weeks of age.
This puts her in the same class as top layers like the Isa Brown and the Harco, with one difference: they lay brown, she lays white. If you want a nice mix of white and brown in your egg basket, she is a wonderful addition alongside your brown layers.
white Leghorn chickens at De Meidoornhoeve
At De Meidoornhoeve, we pay great attention to the care of our animals. Our laying hens receive the best living conditions and nutrition, ensuring they arrive at your home in top condition. Feel free to visit us in Oostnieuwkerke. We will gladly help you choose the right number and combination for your garden.
Characteristics of the Leghorn
This is a light and graceful breed weighing around 2 kg. She has pure white plumage, yellow legs, and a strikingly large red comb that often falls elegantly to the side on hens. Due to her light build, she is agile and alert—a chicken that loves to actively forage and explore her surroundings.
A practical point to consider: due to that light weight, she is also a good flyer. Unlike heavier breeds such as the Sussex or the cuckoo layer, she easily jumps over a low fence. Therefore, provide a sufficiently high run or clipped wings if you want to keep her within your garden.
A lively and independent character
To be honest: this is not a typical lap hen. She is active, curious, and somewhat more independent than the average garden chicken, and can sometimes be a bit flighty. Those looking for a chicken that will sit quietly on their lap will find more satisfaction with a Sussex or a Bleu de Lande.
But for those who love a spirited, smart chicken that forages for its own food and treats you to fresh eggs day after day, she is an ideal companion. Furthermore, she is hardy and low-maintenance, a true workhorse of a chicken. She thrives well in a mixed coop with other active breeds.
white Leghorn chickens at De Meidoornhoeve
How many eggs does a Leghorn lay per year?
A Leghorn lays up to 300 eggs per year, averaging 5 to 6 per week. She starts laying early, around 18 to 20 weeks of age, and is among the most productive laying hens in the world.
What color eggs does she lay?
She lays white eggs. This makes her special: most other laying breeds, such as the Isa Brown or Harco, lay brown eggs. This way, she provides a nice variety in your egg basket.
How heavy is a Leghorn?
An adult hen weighs around 2 kg. It is a light, graceful, and agile breed.
Where does the name "Leghorn" come from?
“Leghorn” is the English name for the Italian port city of Livorno, where the breed originates. From there, it spread across the world in the 19th century.
Is this chicken a cuddly hen?
No, not really. She is lively, curious, and independent, and can be a bit flighty. If you are looking for a pettable lap hen, the Sussex or Bleu de Lande are better choices. If you are primarily looking for a top layer, you’ve come to the right place.
Can she fly well?
Yes. Due to her light build, she is a good flyer and easily jumps over a low fence. Provide a sufficiently high run if you want to keep her within your garden.
Is the Leghorn hardy?
Yes, she is hardy and continues to lay even in the colder months. However, her large comb can be sensitive to severe frost, so a well-sheltered and dry coop is important.
Which other laying breeds can I combine her with?
She gets along well with other active breeds. If you combine her white eggs with the brown ones from an Isa Brown, Harco, or cuckoo layer, you will have a beautifully varied egg basket.
