Leghorns and California Whites comparison, please

[Chickhick]

I have a California White pullet and I just love her. She is curious and alert, but not what I would call flightly. Is this what I can expect from Leghorns, or are they super scared of people? I spend time with the chickens everyday, and I'm just wondering what I can expect temperament-wise from Leghorns if I get some. I didn't really expect to like my California White so much, but she is great.

 

[HorseFeatherz NV]

Well I have never had a CA white - but when I was a kid we did have some leghorns. I always thought of them as long legged models - they were slim and pretty but a little "vacant" up-stairs. Ours were not afraid of people - but would run when confronted with new things (human carrying a blanket - RUN -- human carrying a new bucket - flee to safety)


Great to hear from someone with a CA white - our feedstore offers them but I have not yet added them to my flock.

 

[TXmom]

I thought California Whites were Leghorns...there are different "strains"(?) of Leghorns I think. I had 2 "Ideal 236 Leghorns", which are Leghorns bred specifically by Ideal Poultry. They were great...very friendly birds and we LOVED them...would jump on my lap if I was sitting in a chair, always ate treats out of my hands. Unfortunately both have died...1 by predator (she got out of the fence), and 1 by mystery illness. She was the only one that got sick and nothing I did for her helped.

 

[Chickhick]

California Whites are only half Leghorn. Mom is a White Leghorn, but Dad is a California Grey. She is scared of new things, but super curious and will watch everything. She lets me hold her and pet her -- as long as I'm handing out the treats.

She is the only one in her pen to fly/jump up to the ledge to look out at what's going on in the pasture. She cracks me up!