White Leghorn

Product ID: 2WL
White Leghorns are one of the oldest chicken breeds, first introduced into the U.S. in the mid-1800s. This is the top producer of extra-large white eggs, and the most widely used laying hen for commercial production. These are the eggs you will most likely find in your local grocery store.

White Leghorns: The Most Productive Egg Layer

This breed is the gold standard for productivity, as they offer excellent egg yield at a minimal cost. Leghorns are the top producer of large to extra-large white eggs, as well as the top producer of eggs in general. White Leghorn eggs have consistent strength and eggshell quality due to their breeder lines.

With optimal care and climate conditions, growers can expect between 280-335 eggs per year. They typically do not go broody. 

Leghorns have completely white plumage with yellow beaks, feet, and shanks, giving them a clean and classic appearance. They are lightweight and slim compared to some other layer breeds. Because of their small size, this chicken is not suitable as a dual-purpose breed.

This breed has an excellent feed conversion rate, and they typically start laying fairly early. They are the top egg layer for growers that value profits and efficiency above all else. 

Leghorns tend to be a bit flighty and skittish, especially compared to Pearl Stars. However, they are still suitable as free-range or pastured chicken if preferred. This breed is tolerant of heat and cold, so they will thrive in a variety of climate conditions. 

This chicken breed is not ideal for backyard hobbyists that want companionship. Leghorns do not enjoy being handled and tend to be overly skittish.

Average mature weight for males is 6 lbs, females average 4.5 lbs. 


 
Ordering Details:
  • A minimum of 5 females per breed is required.
  • Free shipping to Zone 1 or Zone 2 on orders of 25+
  • Small order fee on all zones for 15-24 chicks.
  • For pricing and orders above 300, please call our office (814) 539-7026
  • If you would like to pick up your order, please do not order online. Call us or email sales@myerspoultry.com to place your order.
  • Need more options for your flock? Browse all of our white egg layers.  
  • View our shipping chart here.

Breed Information

Egg Color:White
Egg Size:X-Large
Egg Production:Excellent
Disposition:Nervous & Flighty
Hardiness:Cold & Heat Tolerant
Broody:No
Hen Weight:4.5 lbs
Rooster Weight:6 lbs
White Leghorn Hens
White Leghorn Hen
White Leghorn

Pricing

Sex 1-5 6-14 15-24 25-49 50-74 75-99 100+ Quantity Hatch Date
Straight Run $5.13  $5.06  $4.97  $4.41  $3.47  $3.09  $2.95 
Min: 5, Max: 200
Male $4.48  $4.38  $4.33  $3.88  $3.10  $2.71  $2.63 
Min: 1, Max: 200
Female $6.18  $6.11  $6.00  $5.43  $4.63  $4.25  $4.05 
Min: 5, Max: 50

Recomended Add-Ons:

Marek's Vaccine - $0.50/Chick

Marek's vaccination

Grow Gel Plus DPP - $4.50

1 PACKET WILL TREAT 100 CHICKS -Can be used multiple times for small orders. This unique formula of proteins, peptides, amino acids, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and probiotic bacteria is formulated for day old poultry to improve the chick health. Give upon arrival of chicks, and also can be used at a later time.

StresEEZ Plus - $9.75

Water-dispersible source of vitamins, trace minerals, and electrolytes. 6oz pack per 128gal of water/ 1 GALLON DOSAGE: 1/4 tsp powder to 1 gal of drinking water.

Optional Vaccination's are preformed at the hatchery.
GroGel and Vitamin packs may be shipped with the birds or shipped separately before your birds arrive.

The table below is for the next several hatches.
 
Hatch Dates Go Back More Shipping Dates
SEX (6/25) (7/1) (7/8) (7/15) (7/22) (7/29) (8/5) (8/12) (8/19) (8/26)
Straight Run
Male
Female
Key:
Available
Limited availablity (we will call you if your order is affected)
Not Available

Quick Facts About White Leghorns

Is this a good breed for backyard egg production? They are excellent egg layers. However, we don’t recommend them for backyard growers unless they are experienced with raising poultry. This breed can be flighty and skittish, making them more difficult to manage than friendlier chicken breeds.

What kind of comb do Leghorns have? They may have either a single comb or a rose comb.

Will my White Leghorn hen ever lay a brown egg? No, this chicken breed has a well-developed and carefully curated genetic line that will always produce a white egg.

What chickens lay white eggs? That depends on the breed and their genetics. Other breeds that are well-known for laying white eggs include Anconas, Andalusians, and Polish chickens.

Will White Leghorn hens ever go broody? It is exceedingly rare, as broodiness is not a hallmark of the breed. They have been specifically bred over the years for maximum egg production and not their mothering instincts. However, every chicken is different and there is always a small chance it could happen.

What are some well-known White Leghorn characteristics?
Aside from being known as the best egg laying chicken on the market, they have a classic chicken appearance; stark white plumage, bright red combs and wattles, and yellow beaks and feet.

What APA class is this breed? They are Mediterranean class.

When does this breed start laying eggs? That depends, but typically they reach laying maturity around 18-20 weeks of age. They tend to reach laying age sooner than some other chicken breeds.

Are White Leghorn roosters friendly? They can be good flock protectors, although we do not recommend adding them to your flock if you need a rooster that can be handled.

What do White Leghorn chicks look like? They are a pale yellow or creamy white. They will develop their signature white plumage as they become fully feathered.



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