Brown vs. White Leghorns

[FlaneryFlock]

Hi everyone! I am brand new to chickens, I've been raising ducks though, and I just got 6 Brown Leghorns from my local TSC. I have to say that I went there mainly for ducks, however, I fell for these guys because they looked like chipmunks. I was going to take them to a swap, but I actually fell in love with them. They are just over a week old now, and I believe one to be a rooster. I would absolutely enjoy showing him.

I would like to know if there are any white/brown leghorn differences that exclude color?
How soon will I know for sure he is a rooster?
What do the hybrids look like?
Which would do better at a show?
Are there any other breeds that compare to the Leghorn?

The feed and seed up the road has white Leghorns, but I'm curious with these questions before I break down and grab some pullets.

 

[pastorwalt]

Being hatchery birds from TSC they will be commercial production type
Both browns and whites lay well but almost nothing beats the Whites
IMO browns have a better chance of avoiding predators
also IMO light brown Leghorn roosters are some of the prettiest chickens
Leghorn roosters show a lot of comb very early
Hybrids of the two varieties would be white with a few colored feathers
feed store birds aren't show birds unless you are talking 4H
for lots of white eggs on a little feed nothing compares
Anconas Minorcas Andalusians are similar in some ways other than color
California whites are a hybrid which favors the leghorn side
Walt

 

[FlaneryFlock]

Whoa, thanks! Is there any way I could bring in a blood line to have a show-worthy rooster or chicken?
I like my browns, but whites seem almost boring to me. I guess I just need to have some to appreciate them.

 

[pastorwalt]

There are Leghorn threads on this forum
check this one out
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/625966/brown-leghorns-pics-info-and-resources/20
you can start there to find out how to acquire Show Quality birds
I am sure there is a breed organization
just do some surfing, googling and lurking on the breed threads
I am sure the info is available
Walt