Why are some LF breeds from hatcheries smaller than 'Standard'?

[punky rooster]

Quote:
Leghorns are certainly a fast maturing breed. So, I don't know be experience, but I doubt it would take eight months for a Leghorn. IMO, it would be a cull. I'd want to keep that fast maturing trait in my line.

The production-bred Leghorn will lay better.

Only for the first few years. A breeder of standard bred Leghorns told me that he had a hen that was 10 years old, and still laying pretty well - impressive to me.
I'm not trying to argue with you (if it comes off that way), but overall I do agree with you. I hope to get some nice Leghorns myself soon.​

 

[rodriguezpoultry]

hey punky!

It honestly depends on the line of Leghorns. Several breeders will maintain lighting so that growth is the number one priority. They will keep lighting on 24/7 during the first 3 months and then alter the lighting program so that the birds have enough light to eat the desired amount, but less light than needed to induce laying. With Langshans, I don't have to worry, I'm happy if a bird lays at 8 months. I want size first and foremost. If there's no size, there's no purpose in breeding that bird. Once the bird starts laying, the growth potential is decreased. If I'm wanting to show the birds, there's no purpose, for me, to keep a bird that is undersized because of me wanting eggs sooner rather than waiting until she is fully matured.

When people purchase Leghorns, they generally see the birds as a year-long project and then replace for the next year. With this, it makes more sense to get the production bred birds as they are just going for egg-laying and do not wish to keep the birds around for years at a time.