White Leghorns?

[Arya28]

Hi everyone! So we have SO many chickens, and our local feed store just got a new shipment in. We weren't planning on getting any more, but they have white leghorns (I know, chicken math, right? ). I want to know what you're thoughts/opinions are on this breed. How are their temperaments? Do they lay a lot? And most importantly, are they easy to feather sex at a day or two old? They claim they are pullets, but we all know how good feed stores are at that lol. We would want to be able to make sure they are girls. Your thoughts and opinions are greatly appreciated!

 

[SIMZ]

They're one of my favorites for eggs and I always have at least a few in my flock! Yes, they lay very, very well and mine have still done well at 3 years. They are pretty crazy, so don't expect them to be cuddly. Mine also escape the fence just about every day and forage around. I don't know about feather sexing them, though.

I think you should try a few. You'll probably either love them or hate them - I happen to really like them, but wouldn't keep them as my only breed.

 

[Pyxis]

So, leghorns are a high production breed, especially those from a hatchery, so yes, they will lay a lot. However, that means that they run through their egg supply fast, and will burn out of laying in two or three years. This also makes them very prone to reproducive cancers. In terms of temperament, they are skittish and flighty.

You can't feather sex any bird that hasn't been specifically bred for that trait. To get the trait, you have to cross parents that feather at different rates. This means that there are pretty much no purebred chicks that can be sexed by feather sexing. You won't be able to feather sex them.

 

[Arya28]

Thanks both of you! I like getting to hear a range of different opinions. They are super cute! I will have to see if they still even have them tomorrow, they've been selling out fast this autumn!