Leghorn Chicken

Leghorn is a breed of chicken that originated in Tuscany, Italy. The birds were first exported to North America in the year 1828 from the port city of Livorno, west coast of Tuscany. The birds were initially called "Italians" but by 1865, they were known as "Leghorn". The were then introduced to United Kingdom and United States in the year 1870.

Origin

The origin of Leghorn chicken is unclear. It is said that the birds were originated in Tuscany. The name "Leghorn", the traditional anglicisation of Livorno, the Tuscan port from which the birds were exported to North America. The ancestors of this bird is unclear. The birds arrived at America in the mid 1800s by Captain Gates.

Characteristics

• They are small, spritely and like to move about.

• The birds are good forages, often glean much of their diet from ranging over fields.

• The Leghorns and their descendants are considered one of the most numerous breed in United States today.

• Rarely go broody.

• Italian standard weight range: 2.4–2.7 kg (5.3–6.0 lb) for cocks, 2.0–2.3 kg (4.4–5.1 lb) for hens.

• British standard weight range: fully grown Leghorn cocks weigh around 3.4 kg (7.5 lb), hens weigh around 2.5 kg; cockerels weigh 2.7–2.95 kg and pullets 2–2.25 kg; for bantams the maximum weight is 1020 g for cocks and 910 g for hens.

Varieties

• Single Comb Dark Brown

• Single Comb Light Brown

• Rose Comb Dark Brown

• Rose Comb Light Brown

• Single Comb White

• Rose Comb White

• Single Comb Buff

• Rose Comb Buff

• Single Comb Black

• Single Comb Silver

• Single Comb Red

• Single Comb Black Tailed Red

Use

The Leghorns are very good layers of eggs. On average, they lay about 280 eggs per year, sometimes reaching 300. The eggs are white and weigh a minimum of 55g.