White Leghorns, pros & cons??

[shmccarthy]

Today I (or well my leghorns) discovered I make an awesome roost to ride around the coop. I had one on each shoulder haha I've never had my other chickens do that.

 

[lilnursetara]

Thanks for all the replies.
Here's an updated picture (7.5 weeks old) of one my ladies....

 

[lilnursetara]

Love it!!! I had one perch on my shoulder the other day!

 

[Lisasfeathers]

I have a brown leghorn that loves to be picked up and sits on my shoulder too

 

[Lisasfeathers]

They are such pretty birds! Especially when there combs grow big and floppy

 

[Michael Apple]

It has been years since I had white leghorns. Got quite busy with Wyandottes, Rocks, and Dominiques the past 8 years. I got some California Grey chicks this year (Barred Rock rooster x White Leghorn hen). They are easily frightened like Leghorns are, but very personable birds when you sit down with them and gain their confidence. They get underfoot at times but are good followers. I am unaware of the good strains of White Leghorns like Babcock mentioned, or who has them. I would certainly like to get hold of a good strain for my own CA Grey or CA White line in the future.

 

[Lisasfeathers]

The Babcock Leghorn strain was developed in New York State. Here is some history on them http://www.scribd.com/doc/24242061/The-History-of-Babcock-Poultry-Farm
This is the site I ordered them from http://www.healthychicksandmore.com/product/WL-sr They are located in Ohio.
Don't get me wrong they are skittish too. But very gentle and do get along with others. There brown Leghorns are especially nice.

 

[Michael Apple]

Here's the complete book I found:
http://www.hendrix-genetics.com/en/.../History of Babcock Poultry Farm Inc USA.ashx

 

[lastofthebreed]

I have a question about white leghorns, there is a guy giving away 17 hens/1 roster. They are about 4 to 5 years old, so my question is are these birds still worth "adopting". Any info will be help full, Thank you

 

[shmccarthy]

I have a question about white leghorns, there is a guy giving away 17 hens/1 roster.  They are about 4 to 5 years old, so my question is are these birds still worth "adopting".  Any info will be help full, Thank you

 

I heard that leghorns slow production after about 2 or so years. Personally I wouldn't get them if they are 4 to 5 years old.