White leghorns

[Chris H.]

I hve a silly question. Anyone else have leghorns that are very pet friendly?

I have two leghorns in my flock and as soon as they started laying eggs they became so friendly. They greet me anytime I go in their run. They love me picking them up and petting them. They fly up to the gate and sit on it so I can pet them. I am kind of confused because I read about the breed and they say they are less likely to want be around people and don't make good chickens for kids. Mine like my kids and let them pet them and even seek to be petted.

I bought a assortment of chickens to see how they are and in the future pick breeds that I like more than others. I wanted eggs more than anything else but also wanted chickens my family could enjoy like pets. I am the only country boy in my family. My wife is a city girl and kids have not been around any live stock until now. I got two leghorns because of egg production and then two Rhode Island reds for dual purpose, and three Wyandottes because I read they are friendly with kids. Well they aren't too friendly. They are not aggressive and will follow you for food but don't like being touched.

So I would love feed back from people with white leghorns. Is it usual for them to be so friendly or did I get two weirdos? I love these two and if this is normal I love to get more next time. They eat little and lay every day. And got admit I love that they flyup to the top of the gate every time I come up and love being petted. The one likes to be held in my arm while I check feed, water and for eggs. She holds her head up as to say to all they other chickens that she is speacial.

 

[IdyllwildAcres]

I love my white leghorn, just like you said as soon as she started laying she got friendly, the Wyandotte not so much. I already have another leghorn in my shopping cart for the spring from Myers. I am in it for eggs and fun, I will be moving the Wyandotte, a sex link and brown leghorn along next year to make room for another white leghorn, a austria white (which is a leghorn X, another sex link a Black austrope (misspelled) and another myer meal maker... so thats 3 out and five in which will put me at 9 from this years 7, chicken math! But at least there was subtraction? I plan on no more than 10 or 12 but will work up over a couple years and see how it goes. For sure white leghorns will be part of the flock going forward.

Gary

 

[JeanR]

Leghorns have been developed for laying lots of eggs and are not known for being quiet and friendly. But all chickens are individuals--and most, while they may become quite friendly and come when called, really do not like being handled. Some DO respond to handling, and you a lucky to have one that does. With patience, you may have them all enjoying it????