When it comes to raising chickens, choosing the right breed is essential. Two popular breeds are the white leghorn and the white rock chicken. While these chickens may appear nearly identical at first glance, what distinguishes one breed from the other?
In total, White Leghorns are smaller but are better egg layers, with white eggs and a skittish temperament. White Rocks are larger, lay brown eggs, and have a docile temperament.
In this article, we will comprehensively examine the advantages and disadvantages of each breed, enabling you to make an informed decision on which breed is best suited for you.
White Leghorns
The white leghorn is a breed of chicken that originated in Italy. It is a slender bird (approximately 4-5 lbs) with a prominent comb and white feathers. Leghorns are known for their high egg-laying abilities, producing around 280-320 bright white eggs per year. They are also known for their skittish temperament and tendency to be flighty, making them less suitable as pets or for backyard flocks with children.
White Leghorn chickens are a Mediterranean breed, so they are well-suited to warm and dry climates. Their single comb stands upright and has multiple points or spikes. The comb is red in color and is a distinguishing feature of the breed. Unfortunately, the comb is very prone to frostbite due to its size and thus not suited for cold environments. You’d have to take extra care of their combs in the winter by applying petroleum jelly.
White leghorns are also good flyers and can easily escape from predators, so they do quite well in free-range or semi-free-range environments.
For more info on White Leghorns, check out my complete in-depth article on the breed: The White Leghorn Guide.
White Rocks
The white rock chicken, on the other hand, is a larger breed (approximately 6-8 lbs) with a more docile temperament. It has white feathers and a red comb and is a cross between a white Plymouth rock and a white Wyandotte. White rocks are also good layers, producing around 200-280 brown eggs per year. They are known for their friendly personalities and ease of handling, making them a great choice for families or those new to chicken-keeping. White Rocks are also less flighty than White Leghorns so they may do better in smaller or more confined spaces.
While having a similar comb to the White Leghorn, the White Rock’s comb is noticeably smaller, and thus less prone to frostbite. This makes White Rock chickens suitable for both hot and cold climates. The comb is less upright and has fewer points or spikes than the White Leghorn.
For a complete guide on cold-weather chickens, check out my article on the Best Chicken Breeds for Cold Environments!
White Rocks typically come into conversation when people want to hatch Golden Comets. To get a golden comet, you need a White Rock hen and a New Hampshire Red rooster. Golden Comets are some of the best egg-laying hens around!
Studies Between White Leghorns and White Rocks
With any good comparison, I enjoy finding different studies done on the breeds in question. Below are some studies for you to consider when choosing the right breed for you!
In a study published in the journal Poultry Science, researchers compared the egg-laying performance and egg quality of different commercial layer strains, including the White Leghorn and White Rock breeds. The study found that the White Leghorn had higher egg production and feed efficiency, but the White Rock had better eggshell quality.
Another study published in the Poultry Science journal compared the egg production, egg quality, and growth rate of three different layer breeds, including the White Leghorn, White Rock, and Rhode Island Red. The study found that the White Leghorn had the highest egg production, while the White Rock had the best eggshell quality and the Rhode Island Red had the highest body weight.
A study published in the Journal of Animal Science compared the behavior, feather condition, and mortality rate of two different layer breeds, including the White Leghorn and White Rock, in enriched colony housing systems. The study found that the White Leghorn was more active and had better feather condition, but had a higher mortality rate than the White Rock.
Comparison Table
Below, I’ve included a table for your reference!
| Trait | White Leghorn | White Rock |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Italy | United States |
| Weight | 4-5 lbs | 6-8 lbs |
| Egg production | 280-320/year | 200-280/year |
| Egg Color | White | Brown |
| Eggshell Quality | Good | Excellent |
| Temperament | Skittish | Docile |
| Feather color | White | White |
| Comb color | Red | Red |
| Suitable for pets | No | Yes |
| Suitable Environments | Warm | Warm & Cold |
| Free-Ranging | Excellent | Good |
This article was originally published on farmapt.com. If it is now published on any other site, it was done without permission from the copyright owner.
Conclusion
When it comes to choosing a breed of chicken, it’s important to consider your specific needs and preferences. If you want a chicken that will lay a lot of eggs, the white leghorn is a great choice. However, if you want a pet chicken or a chicken that is easy to handle, the white rock may be a better option. Either way, both breeds are great choices for backyard flocks and can provide years of enjoyment and fresh eggs.