Day Old Mottled Ancona Baby Chicks
Hatching February to November.
Mottled Anconas lay lots of white eggs, they forage well, and they are hardy.
Production: Anconas are primarily layers. You can expect as many as 300 white eggs from one hen each year.
Temperament: This breed is easily tamed, but naturally a bit flighty. They are active and like to forage, so if you are looking for a pet chicken, be prepared to spend some time with an Ancona so that it will be tame and sweet.
History: As we so many breeds, Anconas are named for the city of their origin. These birds were originally bred in northern Italy and were first imported to Britain in the mid-1800s, and then to the United States shortly thereafter.
There are many similarities between Leghorns and Anconas, and some breeders referred to Anconas as “Mottled Leghorns” at first. The two breeds are distinct, however, with the main difference being in the shape of their bodies. Anconas have a slightly angled appearance on their backs and Leghorns do not.
With their excellent foraging and laying abilities, Anconas are fantastic backyard or small farm birds. Aside from practicality, this breed is also beautiful. Anconas were first accepted into the American Poultry Association’s Standard of Perfection in 1898.
Colors: Anconas are predominantly black, with white mottling. An ideal representation of the breed would have one white feather for every five black feathers. As they age, the white mottling increases. They have clean, yellow legs and yellow skin.
Livestock Conservancy Status: Watch.
Body Type: The back of an Ancona slopes downward toward the tail, and the bird has a single comb.
Standard Weights: Rooster 6 lbs, Hen 4.5 lbs, Cockerel 5 lbs, Pullet 4 lbs
Classification: American Poultry Association Class: Mediterranean
