When discussing dual-purpose chicken breeds, names like the Rhode Island Red or Sussex often come to mind. However, one remarkable breed that has nearly faded into obscurity is the Lamona. Developed in the United States in the 1920s, this white-feathered bird was bred to excel in both egg and meat production, combining the best traits of high-yield layers and robust meat birds. Unfortunately, by the mid-20th century, the Lamona was overshadowed by industrial poultry breeds, leading to its disappearance. Let’s take a closer look at this fascinating yet forgotten breed, its history, and its pros and cons. 

A Brief History of the Lamona Chicken

The Lamona breed was developed by Harry S. Lamon, a poultry expert working for the U.S. Department of Agriculture. His goal was to create a bird that laid as well as the Leghorn but was meatier, making it a practical choice for farmers who needed both eggs and a good table bird. The breed featured white plumage, white skin, and white-shelled eggs, making it visually distinct from other dual-purpose breeds of the time.

For a time, the Lamona seemed to fulfill its intended purpose. However, as industrial poultry farming took off in the 1950s, the Lamona could not compete with the rapid growth and efficiency of the Cornish Rock cross for meat production or the prolific laying ability of the White Leghorn. As a result, interest in the breed declined, and by the 1980s, no known sources of Lamona chickens remained.

Pros of the Lamona Breed

  1. Dual-Purpose Efficiency – The Lamona was bred to lay eggs consistently while also providing good meat quality, making it a versatile option for small farms.
  2. White-Shelled Eggs – Unlike many dual-purpose breeds that lay brown eggs, the Lamona produced white eggs similar to Leghorns, appealing to markets that preferred them.
  3. Calm Temperament – Unlike the more flighty Leghorn, Lamonas were known to be relatively docile, making them easier to handle.
  4. Good Meat Quality – While not as fast-growing as the Cornish Rock cross, Lamonas had a respectable carcass size with white skin, a desirable trait in the U.S. poultry market at the time.

Cons of the Lamona Breed

  1. Low Availability – The biggest downside is that the breed is extinct, making it impossible to acquire unless a rediscovery occurs.
  2. Slower Growth Compared to Modern Meat Breeds – Lamonas could not match the rapid growth and feed efficiency of modern broilers, which ultimately led to their decline.
  3. Lower Egg Production Compared to Leghorns – While laying well, they couldn’t quite match the high numbers produced by commercial Leghorn strains.
  4. Lack of Market Interest – Industrial farming favored specialization over versatility, and breeds like the Lamona couldn’t keep up with the demands of large-scale production.

Could the Lamona Make a Comeback?

With the modern push for heritage breeds and sustainable farming, one might wonder if the Lamona could be recreated or rediscovered. While no known Lamonas exist today, some poultry enthusiasts are working on recreating the breed using genetic traits from its original parent breeds. If successful, it could be an exciting addition for homesteaders seeking a heritage dual-purpose bird.

For now, the Lamona remains a fascinating piece of poultry history—an example of how selective breeding can shape the agricultural landscape and how industrialization can lead to the loss of once-prominent breeds. Whether or not it resurfaces, the story of the Lamona serves as a reminder of the ever-changing nature of farming and the importance of preserving genetic diversity in livestock.

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