A Complete Guide to Keeping Leghorn Chickens

Leghorn chickens are a popular choice for poultry keepers in the UK, known for their excellent egg production, hardiness, and active nature. Whether you're new to chicken keeping or looking to add a productive breed to your flock, this guide will provide you with all the essential information needed to care for Leghorn chickens.

Introduction to Leghorn Chickens

Leghorns originate from Italy and have been widely kept for their incredible egg-laying abilities. They are active, intelligent birds that thrive in both free-range and confined environments, making them a versatile addition to any flock.

Key Characteristics:

• Lifespan: 5-7 years with good care
• Egg Production: 250-320 large white eggs per year
• Temperament: Energetic, independent, and intelligent
• Size: Small to medium (hens weigh 2-2.5 kg, cockerels 2.5-3 kg)
• Colour Varieties: White, brown, black, and exchequer (a striking black and white speckled pattern)
• Hardiness: Adaptable to the UK's climate but prefers dry conditions

Why Choose Leghorn Chickens?

Leghorns are a fantastic breed for those looking for a productive and low-maintenance addition to their flock. Here’s why they are so popular:

1. Exceptional Egg Layers: Leghorns are among the top egg-producing breeds, laying up to 320 white eggs per year.
2. Low Feed Consumption: They are efficient foragers and convert feed into eggs very effectively.
3. Hardy and Adaptable: They can tolerate both hot and cold climates with appropriate care.
4. Low Maintenance: Their active and independent nature makes them easy to care for.
5. Attractive Appearance: Particularly the exchequer variety, which adds visual appeal to any flock.

Housing Requirements

Proper housing is essential to keep your Leghorns healthy and productive.

Coop Requirements

• Size: Provide at least 0.3-0.4 square metres per bird inside the coop.
• Ventilation: Good airflow is crucial to prevent respiratory problems.
• Nesting Boxes: One box per 3-4 hens, filled with straw or shavings.
• Perches: Leghorns enjoy roosting higher up, so provide sturdy perches at various heights.

Run and Free-Range Space

Leghorns are very active birds that enjoy exploring and foraging.

• Minimum Space: Allow at least 1 square metre per bird in an enclosed run.
• Free-Range Benefits: They thrive when given the opportunity to forage for insects and greens.
• Fencing: Secure fencing is essential, as Leghorns are excellent flyers and may escape if given the chance.

Tip: Clipping their wings can help keep them contained if free-ranging isn't an option.

Feeding Your Leghorn Chickens

Leghorns require a well-balanced diet to maintain their high egg production.

Essential Nutrition

1. Layers Pellets (16-18% protein): Provide essential nutrients for egg-laying.
2. Grit: Helps with digestion by breaking down food in their gizzard.
3. Fresh Greens and Treats: Vegetables, mealworms, and occasional fruit in moderation.
4. Fresh Water: Ensure a constant supply of clean water.

Feeding Tip: Due to their active nature, Leghorns benefit from access to free-ranging, which supplements their diet naturally.

Health and Common Concerns

Leghorns are generally a healthy and robust breed but do have a few common health considerations.

Common Health Issues

• Weight Management: Their high energy levels help prevent obesity, but monitor their diet to avoid excessive weight loss.
• Parasites (mites and lice): Check regularly and treat with poultry-safe powders if necessary.
• Frostbite: Their large combs are prone to frostbite in cold weather; applying petroleum jelly in winter can help.
• Bumblefoot: Due to their active nature, they can injure their feet; inspect regularly for cuts and swelling.

Preventative Care: Regularly clean the coop, provide a balanced diet, and carry out routine health checks.

Leghorn Chicken Behaviour and Handling

Leghorns are independent and active birds, which means they are not the most cuddly of breeds but are still enjoyable to watch and care for.

• They are excellent foragers and prefer to be busy, exploring their environment.
• They can be flighty and shy, making them less suitable for those looking for a docile pet chicken.
• They integrate well into mixed flocks but may assert dominance over more docile breeds.

Handling Tip: If raised from chicks, they can become friendly but generally prefer minimal handling.

Egg Production and Collection

Leghorns are prolific egg layers and are one of the best breeds for consistent egg supply.

Egg-Laying Habits

• They typically start laying at around 18-20 weeks of age.
• Expect 5-6 eggs per week, with production peaking in their first two years.
• Leghorns are less prone to broodiness, meaning they rarely sit on eggs.

Egg Collection Tip: Collect eggs daily to prevent damage or consumption by the hens.

Winter Care for Leghorn Chickens

Leghorns can handle the UK’s cold winters but require extra attention to ensure their comfort.

1. Coop Insulation: Ensure the coop is draught-free but still ventilated.
2. Comb Protection: Apply petroleum jelly to their large combs to prevent frostbite.
3. Bedding: Provide deep bedding such as straw or wood shavings for insulation.
4. Additional Feed: Increase their food intake slightly to help maintain body heat.

Winter Tip: Avoid letting them roam in wet conditions, as they prefer dry environments.

Breeding and Raising Leghorn Chicks

Breeding Leghorns can be rewarding, but as they are not naturally broody, you may need an incubator or a broody hen of another breed.

Breeding Tips

• Use an incubator set at 37.5°C with 50-55% humidity for successful hatching.
• Chicks grow quickly and require chick crumbs for their first few weeks.
• Leghorns mature quickly and will start laying earlier than some other breeds.

Growth Rate: Expect chicks to reach full size and maturity by around 16-18 weeks.

Legal Considerations in the UK

Before getting Leghorn chickens, be sure to check local regulations and guidelines for keeping poultry in your area.

• DEFRA Regulations: Follow biosecurity measures to prevent avian flu outbreaks.
• Council Restrictions: Some areas may have limits on flock sizes or noise levels.
• Neighbour Considerations: Leghorns can be noisy when laying, so consider proximity to neighbours.

Conclusion

Leghorn chickens are an excellent choice for poultry keepers in the UK seeking a reliable, productive, and hardy breed. Their outstanding egg production, low maintenance requirements, and active nature make them a fantastic addition to any flock.

While they may not be the most affectionate birds, their independent personalities and high energy levels make them a joy to observe and care for.