Developed in Scotland around 1906, these beautiful Leghorns were once not so hard to find. However the American
Poultry Association no longer recognizes the breed, as there were not enough shown as time went along. Only three hatcheries
are known in the U.S. to carry them. The worst quality birds of this breed that I have received came from Cackle Hatchery
in Missouri. Leg problems were common. Proper leg and feather coloring was also a big issue.
I ordered stock from Sandhill Preservation Center in Iowa in 2005 and 2007. Both times I had some issues, but was
the most disappointed in '07 because I sold them most of my Exchequer stock in September of 2006. I thought I would
get good chicks back from my order but could tell they did not set up the breeding pen with quality birds. "Thumbprints"
in the cock's combs and some split combs were my biggest peeve. One in the box of chicks was even a crossed beak chick
that I had to destroy. Birds from this hatchery tend to have less white mottling.
I am always happiest with the birds from Ideal hatchery in Texas. I will be using some of them in my 2008 breeding
pens along with a few good Sandhill birds and my own hatch from 2007.
