Leghorn Chickens
Meet the Leghorn, one of Australia's best egg-laying breeds and one of our favourites.
Leghorn chickens are one of the best egg-laying breeds you can keep, producing 250 to 300 large white eggs a year. They're hardy, active foragers that suit most Australian climates, though their independent streak means they're better suited to free-ranging than lap-sitting. We breed backyard and exhibition quality standard White Leghorns on our farm, with well-started birds available from day-old chicks through to point of lay. Join our backyard waitlist to find out when birds are ready, or see our Standard White Leghorn exhibition quality birds if you're after show-quality bloodlines.
If egg numbers are what you're chasing, the Leghorn is hard to beat. This Italian heritage breed is the foundation of modern commercial egg production worldwide, and for good reason: few backyard breeds lay as consistently, or for as long.
We breed backyard quality White Leghorns on our farm and work with trusted transport partners to get well-started birds to keepers across the country, from day-old chicks through to point of lay. After exhibition standard bloodlines instead? Our Standard White Leghorn exhibition birds are the better fit.
The origin of Leghorn chickens
Leghorns take their name from Livorno, the Tuscan port city they were shipped out of, anglicised to "Leghorn" once the breed reached English-speaking countries. Their roots trace back to the general-purpose farmyard fowl of Italy's Mediterranean coast, prized long before anyone was breeding for a single trait.
The breed reached Australia early. Leghorns, then commonly called "Italians," were imported here in 1872, and it didn't take long for their egg output to earn them a permanent place in both commercial flocks and backyard coops. From there they went on to become the foundation breed behind most of the world's modern commercial egg-laying strains, prized for exactly the trait that still defines them: consistent, efficient egg production.
In poultry classification terms, Leghorns sit in the soft feather light fowl group, alongside other Mediterranean laying breeds. In Australia today, they're bred both for exhibition, judged against the Australian Poultry Standards, and for backyard flocks, where their productivity has made them one of the most recommended breeds for anyone chasing a full egg basket.
Leghorn hens and pullets
Leghorn hens are prolific layers, producing around 250 to 300 large white eggs a year. They start laying at around 24 to 26 weeks of age and stay productive for several years, though egg numbers are best in the first three.
They're independent, active birds rather than lap chickens, and rarely go broody, which makes them straightforward to breed but not the best choice if you're hoping for a hen to hatch her own chicks.
Our well-started Leghorn pullets are raised on our own feed, with plenty of space to range, so they're strong and confident before they join your coop. Fully matured hens typically weigh around 3 to 3.5kg.
Leghorn roosters & cockerels
Leghorn roosters carry the same bright white plumage, tall upright stance, and large single comb as the hens, with a naturally alert and protective streak. They can grow to over 4kg once fully matured.
They're not typically aggressive, but they are spirited and energetic, with strong foraging instincts that make them well-suited to free-ranging. Good wing strength also means they can clear low fences, so a secure run matters more with this breed than with some others.
Exhibition quality or backyard quality: which Leghorn is right for you?
We breed both exhibition quality and backyard quality White Leghorns, so there's a bird here whatever you're after.
Exhibition quality
Our show line is bred to the Australian Poultry Standards, with a focus on comb quality and the upstanding type judges reward at national level. Offered once a year in limited numbers. See our Standard White Leghorn exhibition birds if you're chasing bloodlines for the show ring.
Backyard quality
Just want a dependable layer for your flock? Our backyard Leghorns are bred to the same care and selection as our show line, though individual birds will show minor variation from strict exhibition standards. A strong fit for anyone chasing serious egg production without the exhibition commitment.
After a dual-purpose bird rather than maximum egg numbers? See our Light Sussex.
Why choose Leghorn chickens?
Egg production
Large white eggs among the highest of any backyard breed.
HARDY AND ADAPTABLE
Thrives across Australia, though the comb needs protection in hard frost.
LOW FEED COSTS
Help keep pest numbers and feed bills down.
INDEPENDENT
Self-sufficient once settled, with minimal daily fuss.
Best suited to
Keepers after serious egg numbers rather than a lap pet.
Ready to buy backyard quality Leghorn chickens in Australia?
We breed Leghorn chicks, pullets, and well-started birds periodically throughout the year, from day-old chicks through to point of lay. As with all of our birds, availability depends on hatching season and demand.
If you'd like to be one of the first to know when Leghorn birds are ready, join our waitlist and we'll be in touch. Got a question before then? We're always happy to talk chooks. Get in touch and we'll help you work out whether a Leghorn is the right fit for your yard.
Join Our Backyard Waitlist →Frequently asked questions
Where do Leghorn chickens come from?
Leghorns originated on the Mediterranean coast of Italy and take their name from Livorno, the Tuscan port city they were shipped out of. They were imported to Australia in 1872 and have since become the foundation breed behind most of the world's modern commercial egg-laying strains.
Are Leghorn chickens good for beginners?
They can be, though they're better suited to keepers who mainly want eggs rather than a cuddly pet. They're independent and don't need much fuss, but they're not as hands-on friendly as calmer breeds like the Light Sussex.
How many eggs do Leghorn chickens lay?
Around 250 to 300 large white eggs a year, among the best egg production of any backyard breed.
Are Leghorn chickens friendly?
They're alert and active rather than cuddly, and can be a little flighty, especially when young. Regular handling helps them settle, but they'll never be as placid as a heavier dual-purpose breed.
Do Leghorn chickens go broody?
Rarely. Their instinct is to keep laying rather than sit, which is part of why they're such consistent egg producers.
Can Leghorn chickens fly?
Yes, more than most breeds. Good wing strength means they can clear low fences, particularly when young, so a secure run is worth having.
Are Leghorn chickens cold hardy?
Generally, yes, though their large comb can be prone to frostbite in hard frosts. Take extra care with comb protection over a cold winter.
What's the difference between backyard quality and exhibition quality Leghorns?
Both are bred to the same standard of care, but exhibition quality birds are selected specifically against the Australian Poultry Standards for comb quality and type. Backyard quality birds may show minor variation from that strict standard. See our Standard White Leghorn exhibition program for show-quality bloodlines.
Where can I buy Leghorn chickens in Australia?
Join our backyard poultry waitlist to be notified when well-started birds are ready. Pricing for day-old chicks through to point-of-lay birds is in our current backyard pricing guide.
Do you deliver Leghorn chickens Australia-wide?
We don't deliver birds ourselves. Local pickup is available from our designated pickup point in Bargo, NSW. For biosecurity reasons, the farm itself isn't open to visitors. For keepers further away, we meet your chosen transport company to get birds safely on their way, anywhere in Australia.
Do you sell fertile eggs?
No, we don't sell eggs of any kind, fertile or otherwise. We sell chicks, pullets, and well-started birds, from day-old through to point of lay.
Join Our Backyard Poultry Waitlist
Tell us a bit about your flock and we'll reach out the moment Leghorns are ready.