Chickens breed profile

Leghorn (White)

Also known as: White Leghorn

  • Commercial layer
  • Italy
  • small
  • Temperament: flighty

Leghorn is the white-egg commercial layer of choice worldwide — highest egg production of any chicken breed. Active disposition and frostbite-prone single comb make it less ideal for cold-climate or family-flock contexts.

Production & size

Mature size and output.

Female weight

4–5 lbs

Male weight

5–7 lbs

Eggs/year

300

Egg color

white

Reproductive traits

Gestation

21 days

Seasonality

year round

Maternal

poor

Health & climate

Parasite resistance

good

Heat tolerance

good

Cold hardiness

fair

Humidity tolerance

good

Common health concerns

  • Frostbite on large single combs in cold climates
  • Light frame requires fencing for flightiness

Management requirements

Experience

beginner friendly

Housing

basic shelter

Fencing

standard

Feed system

grain based

Market access

Commercial market

excellent

Direct-market appeal

fair

American Poultry Association

Sources

Data quality: extension verified