Questions about California White's

[smcjoj3]

Sorry if these questions are a little 'elementary'... I just feel like I am not finding a ton of info on the California Cross White Leghorns
Can someone explain to me how the California White's are different/similar from the White Leghorns? I am especially curious about California's temperament. Is it pretty similar to the W.Leghorn's generally?

I am reeeally wanting to get a few pullets, for our small backyard flock to have some white layers, but I have heard the white leghorn can be a little aloof? and of course lets not forget flightly. I Wondered if the same is true for California X. I would be hand raising them and feeding them from early on & i know that makes some breeds great members of a small backyard flock and others it doesn't matter so much. I recently had one person tell me I was nuts for thinking about getting a White Leghorn & then have read stories of people who love them dearly. But I would love to hear more!
Anyhow, TIA.

 

[Timmy]

They are basically a production egg layer strain of white leghorns and should have a similar temperament.

 

[smcjoj3]

So I shouldn't expect temperament miracles huh?

 

[racecar8791]

I've had 15 or so cali whites for a little over a year now and I would describe their temperament as more alert than flighty. Mine don't like being handled at all, but they don't range very far from the coop either. It just seems like there not as wild as described. There a bit noisy but they do lay well.

 

[Frogdogtimestwo]

Mine are free range great little layers however they are the most skittish of all the birds we have, they go out of their way to avoid us when most of our other runs towards us when we give treats, etc.

 

[smcjoj3]

Thanks everyone for your responses. I like hearing from people who have them and what their experience has been. I want them for their large lovely white eggs, but I have to admit that I wish they were less shy. I think they are such beauties!

 

[centrarchid]

I have California greys that are the male used to make cross with white leghorn to give you your California white. I suspect the greys behavior has some predictive value concerning your cross of interest. Mine are single minded in respect to pursuit of food and scratch much more while foraging than any other type of chicken I have. They will even feed at night if just a little light added. They are also mentally challenged in respect to avoiding weather and predators. They are a little more personable than white leghorns. Feathers brittle and always seem to be replacing feathers as molt not discrete.

 

[smcjoj3]

Quote:
I realize this isn't suppose to be funny, but it kind of made me laugh a little

 

[Majestic Lane Poultry]

My California Whites are curious. They do not like to be handled but do tolerate it. They are not great pets but they do make up for it in production. Their egg sales pay for their food and food for my others.

 

[chicksrule2]

I have two Cali whites and when I bring out treats, like watermelon they come a running. But I did handle my chickens a lot when they were peeps.