Leghorn chickens primarily eat a balanced diet of high-quality commercial feed, grains, vegetables, and occasional protein sources like insects or mealworms.
Leghorn chickens are famous for their incredible egg production, but their high performance requires proper nutrition. These active birds need a balanced diet to support their metabolism and egg-laying capabilities. Let’s explore everything Leghorns should eat for optimal health.
Primary Diet for Leghorn Chickens
Leghorns thrive on a combination of commercial feed and natural foraging. Their diet changes slightly depending on age and purpose (egg production vs. meat).
Commercial Poultry Feed
Quality commercial feed forms the foundation of a Leghorn’s diet:
- Starter feed (0-8 weeks): 18-20% protein crumbles
- Grower feed (8-18 weeks): 16-18% protein
- Layer feed (18+ weeks): 16% protein with added calcium
Leghorns have an excellent feed-to-egg conversion ratio, meaning they produce more eggs per pound of feed than most breeds. An adult Leghorn eats about 1/4 pound of feed daily.
Natural Foraging Foods
When allowed to free-range, Leghorns supplement their diet with:
| Food Type | Examples | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Insects | Grasshoppers, worms, beetles | High protein source |
| Greens | Grass, clover, dandelions | Vitamins and minerals |
| Seeds/Grains | Weed seeds, scattered corn | Energy source |
Essential Supplements for Leghorns
Beyond basic feed, Leghorns benefit from these supplements:
Calcium Sources
Laying hens need extra calcium for strong eggshells. Provide:
- Crushed oyster shell (free choice)
- Eggshells (baked and crushed)
- Limestone grit
Grit
Leghorns need insoluble grit to grind food in their gizzard. Offer:
- Granite grit for adult birds
- Chick grit for young birds
According to Purina Mills, grit is especially important for birds that don’t free-range.
Healthy Treats for Leghorns
Treats should make up no more than 10% of a Leghorn’s diet. Good options include:
Vegetables
- Chopped leafy greens (kale, spinach)
- Pumpkin or squash
- Carrots (grated or cooked)
Fruits
- Berries (strawberries, blueberries)
- Melon (seedless)
- Apples (no seeds)
Protein-Rich Treats
- Mealworms (dried or live)
- Scrambled eggs
- Plain yogurt
Foods to Avoid
Some foods can harm Leghorns:
- Avocado: Contains persin, toxic to chickens
- Raw beans: Contain hemagglutinin
- Green potatoes/tomatoes: Contain solanine
- Salty foods: Can cause kidney damage
- Moldy food: Can cause serious health issues
Feeding Leghorns at Different Life Stages
Chicks (0-8 weeks)
Leghorn chicks need:
- Starter feed available 24/7
- Fresh water changed daily
- Chick grit if offering treats
Pullets (8-18 weeks)
Growing Leghorns require:
- Grower feed
- Limited treats (no more than 5% of diet)
- Access to small grit
Laying Hens (18+ weeks)
Mature Leghorns need:
- Layer feed (16% protein)
- Free-choice calcium supplement
- Regular access to grit
- Controlled treats to prevent obesity
Water Requirements
Leghorns drink about 1 pint of water daily, increasing in hot weather. Follow these water guidelines:
- Provide clean, fresh water at all times
- Use poultry waterers to prevent contamination
- Change water at least once daily
- In winter, use heated bases to prevent freezing
The University of Minnesota Extension notes that chickens can survive longer without food than without water.
Feeding Strategies for Optimal Egg Production
To maximize your Leghorn’s laying potential:
- Feed a complete layer ration as their primary food
- Offer calcium supplements separately
- Provide feed first thing in morning
- Limit scratch grains to afternoon
- Ensure constant access to clean water
Remember that feeding frequency affects digestion and nutrient absorption in chickens.
Special Considerations for Leghorns
Heat Tolerance
Leghorns handle heat well but may eat less in high temperatures. Strategies include:
- Offering cool, wet greens
- Providing electrolytes in water
- Feeding during cooler parts of day
Winter Feeding
In cold weather:
- Increase feed slightly (10-20%)
- Offer warm mash in mornings
- Ensure water doesn’t freeze
Common Feeding Problems in Leghorns
Overeating
While rare in active Leghorns, signs include:
- Weight gain
- Decreased egg production
- Fatty liver disease
Undereating
More common issues:
- Poor feather condition
- Reduced egg production
- Weight loss
Solutions
- Measure feed amounts
- Monitor body condition
- Adjust feed based on activity level