Brown Leghorns: Pics, Info, and Resources

[Tjschicks1817]

Thank You. These are our first chicks we ordered from Efowl because they had a minimum order of 15 instead of 25.

 

[flowerfaeiry]

Does anyone know if brown leghorns can be sexed by fast feathering? As far as I know, only when crossed, but I have four chicks and two are feathering much quicker than the other two. I got the eggs from "show" birds but I'm suspecting they are not pure because of the difference in feathering.

 

[Pozees]

Does anyone know if brown leghorns can be sexed by fast feathering? As far as I know, only when crossed, but I have four chicks and two are feathering much quicker than the other two. I got the eggs from "show" birds but I'm suspecting they are not pure because of the difference in feathering.

In some strains of RIR it is common to see pullets feather in faster than cockerels, perhaps it is the same with this strain of BL.

 

[lazy gardener]

I'm looking for RC leghorns, preferably dark brown, but any shade of brown will do, black would be the next choice. any one out there selling eggs? Or know where I can get a few chicks? I'm in Maine.

 

[Alaskan]

I have been searching all over.....


All I found was either

Murray McMurray, or Duane Urch/Turnlund.


I don't know how bad/good the McMurray birds are.

 

[LadyCluck77]

I'm looking for RC leghorns, preferably dark brown, but any shade of brown will do, black would be the next choice.  any one out there selling eggs?  Or know where I can get a few chicks?  I'm in Maine.

Very interested in these, Would they do well in super cold weather? I noticed RC brown leghorn fertile hatching eggs for sale from mpc.
I think they're asking 3 something each, but as you buy more there's a discount.
http://www.mypetchicken.com/catalog...tching-Eggs-Rose-Comb-Brown-Leghorn-p858.aspx

 

[BGMatt]

I'm looking for RC leghorns, preferably dark brown, but any shade of brown will do, black would be the next choice. any one out there selling eggs? Or know where I can get a few chicks? I'm in Maine.

Mark Atwood in...one of the carolinas, I can't recall now has the best RC Leghorns in the country and has both Light Brown and Dark Brown in both combs types and both sizes. Look up the American Brown leghorn Club and you should be able tog et in touch with some folks that can point you in the right direction.

 

[farmgirlsomeday]

I'm thinking of getting a Brown Leghorn. I love the way they look and their egg production sounds great, but do you find them to be much less friendly or willing to be handled than other hens in your flock? I have several heavy dual purpose heritage breeds now. I haven't ever had a leghorn of any color. I like hens that are generally easy going and people-friendly, not flighty or easy to startle.

Thanks for any insight on this beautiful breed.

 

[BGMatt]

I'm thinking of getting a Brown Leghorn. I love the way they look and their egg production sounds great, but do you find them to be much less friendly or willing to be handled than other hens in your flock? I have several heavy dual purpose heritage breeds now. I haven't ever had a leghorn of any color. I like hens that are generally easy going and people-friendly, not flighty or easy to startle.

Thanks for any insight on this beautiful breed.

A word on Leghorns (even though I'm working on a different color right now), they're alert and cautious. Not "flighty" for no reason. Mine are used to me and don't panic when I go in the pen but if something is strange (new person out there with me, if I'm wearing a hat, etc) they will definitely get away from it (which is useful for those of you that free range, the big calm Birds get eaten by the predator they didn't even see, the Leghorn is safe under cover already). When getting them used to you, slow, calm movements help. Remember we look like a predator to chickens instinctively. I do not have to use a net to catch mine most the time. If I handled them more they'd be calmer but I only handle the birds for a monthly health check anyway.

All comments are on purebred lines I have experience with, all bets are off if dealing with hatchery stock of course.

 

[gjensen]

A lot of it is management. Some of it is personality. In some cases the reputation is justified, and others it is not. It depends a lot on the strain.

There is certain advantages to birds that are active and alert, and when managed well, are a pleasure to own.

On a practical level they tend to be superior. More eggs, less feed, rustle up much of their own, better at getting away from a predator, etc. etc. They are certainly attractive to look at. Well bred examples are beautiful. The have a way about them that is difficult to describe.

I am sure that they are not for everyone. I am also sure that many that would appreciate them, and have an adequate setting for them, are missing out on something that they would really like.

They are not the little backyard chicken tractor kind of bird. They need some room to be active.

Personally, I have grown to appreciate the sharp style, alertness, and intelligence of the Mediterranean breeds. And I am speaking of them in general. It has been kind of an acquired taste for me. I was turned off by their reputation, until I tried them myself. Now I wonder what took me so long.

As far as handling, I am not picking up and petting my birds. They do not fit this model, but some could. I handle my birds off of the roost, where it is easier on me and the birds.

I am speaking of the Mediterranean breeds in general.