Breed Profile - Brown Leghorns


As promised, I wanted to introduce you to our now "grown-up" girls that were day-old-hatchlings this spring. I waited to do this until these ladies were integrated into the existing flock and started laying eggs. This way, I've got a complete idea of their breed characteristics.

First up, we've got two brown leghorns, Minerva and Hermione. Since we already had two white leghorns in our flock, it's been interesting to see the differences between the two breeds. For one, the brown leghorns are much bigger than the white leghorns. As an example, I can hold the white leghorns upside-down in one hand (they are definitely amiable chickens). I can't do this with the brown leghorns; they're too big. The white leghorns started laying early and often. The brown leghorns started laying a little later and are not as prolific. Both lay white eggs.


It's also interesting to see the similarities between the two breeds. (The white leghorns are a commercial breed, and the brown leghorns are a heritage breed. They are related.) They've both got huge, floppy combs that make them look comical. Both breeds are known for being active and skittish. Ours are no different. But, I would also add inquisitive and friendly. Both breeds love to fly if you don't clip their wings. Ours can often be found grazing somewhere outside of their fenced yard.


Overall, I love leghorns and will not hesitate to get more in the future. I think they are a terrific addition to any home flock. Our brown leghorns are beautiful!

Wildlife Wednesdays: Hawk Moth Pupae

I was digging in my garden and found a Hawk Moth Pupae. Since it's late in the season, this one was definitely settled in for the winter. So, after some picture-taking, my kids and I reburied the pupae where we found it.


This pupae belongs to a species of moth called Sphingidae which are commonly known as Hawk Moths, Sphinx Moths and Hornworms. They usually pupate off the host plant in an underground chamber. My guess is this belongs to a Hummingbird Moth since we typically find them around the area of our house where I was digging.

Pretty cool!

Meet the New Flock

A few of our new girls foraging.
Since you got to see our chicks grow up this spring, I thought it would be nice to show you the finished product. Over the next few weeks, I'll be introducing you to each of the breeds in our new flock. FYI - I'm calling them "the new flock" for lack of a better term. At this point, our new chickens have fully integrated with the older girls. During the days and nights, they're all foraging and roosting together. In fact, if you didn't know better, you'd think they all grew up together. So, be sure to check back to get to know a little bit more about our new flock and the breeds they represent!
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