First time with White leghorns. (Also 2 Isa Browns) Any tips or advise welcome.

[MrFluffyandGirls]

I usually stick with the "Rocks", a few hybrids and my precious silkies but hubby asked if we could have white eggs like the grocery store so I picked up 5 White Leghorn chicks. Defiantly flighty little peeps and I notice them chasing each other around more than my other breeds did. I already have a covered run and coop established for them because I heard they tend fly and scatter. I plan to keep them separate from my silkies because I don't want my silkies to be bossed around. I also plan on free ranging some once they get older. I'm just hoping they go back to the coop to lay eggs since I hear they can have a mind of their own.

I also picked up 2 Isa Brown pullets because I keep hearing this breed is amazing layers and sweet personalities.

If anyone out there has any advise or tips on these breeds please feel free to chime in. Particularly the Leghorns.

 

[doublecrossranch]

I’m so glad you asked. Hopefully someone can give advice. I only have one that is 4 weeks old and she is crazy.

 

[Franklinridgefarms]

I have had quite a few White Leghorns, and a few of both Brown Leghorns and Red Leghorns. They have some very good points in that they are great egg layers and smaller than most others so they require less feed. They do good in both hot and cold weather. The down side is they are definitely not pets if that’s important. They are fast and flighty. We had a top cover over our chicken lot that was chicken wire. When it started coming into holes some of the leghorns we had at that time would fly over the fence and free range in their own. They couldn’t seem to get back on their own, and didn’t always cooperate with us trying to direct them back through the gate. One ended up disappearing that wouldn’t go back, any number of varmints could have got her, which is why we keep them in an enclosure. I would advise anyone that is getting them to keep them up in an enclosed area, they do well in a confined area as long as they have ample room. I have also had the misfortune of having one White Leghorn roosters, they are vile little creatures. The hens are not bad at all just not pets by any stretch. If you have to catch them for any reason such as moving them, night time when they are on the roost is the best time maybe the only time to catch them.

 

[sealer39]

Just treat them they way you would any other chicken. They’ll calm down the older they get. Leghorns typically don’t like to be held but that’s fine with me and I don’t consider them flighty. The flightiest chicks I’ve ever raised were my French Black Copper Marans. They were absolutely crazy as chicks but they calmed way down too.
And get ready for A LOT of eggs in about 18 weeks.