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- #21
Correct. That is actually a very common misunderstanding as most people think it simply means a duck with three colors. Such as a rusted blue (blue, rust and white). But it refers to the genetic make up of the duck and the way the pattern is displayed.
In my experience, they stay cleaner and seem happier if allowed to free range rather than being penned. Mine are penned this time of the year for breeding and they get mad about it. Haha
For quality, heres what ti look for
PATTERN: broken, speckled asymmetrical pattern. Spots under the eyes, on the bill, and the legs/feet. Chest marking are highly desirable. You want roughly 1/3 color and 2/3 white and want it to be random patterns. Not solid backs or heads as that means they can easily be confused with their relative, the magpie.
SIZE: this will vary by the flock as some breeders want smaller birds while others breed them large to serve better as a dual purpose (meat) bird. I like them in the middle. Hens around 6 lbs and drakes around 7 lbs.
CONFORMATION: this will also vary greatly by the bird. I aim for NO runnerish features (long necks, long slender body, long bill with a straight fixture to the head, and upright stance). You will see a lot of anconas with these qualities. IMO, they are very poor quality. I like more of a horizontal carriage, round head with a medium length bill thats slightly curved, legs positioned in the middle rather than towards the back of the body, full chest and a medium length, full body (basically).
I'll post a few pics with good/bad qualities just to point a few out to you if that helps!
I like this hen. She could use a little length to her body but overall a good specimen to work with
This hen is just ok. Legs are a bit far back, could use a little more color and foot markings,also needs a rounder head
These are decent birds. All could use foot and bill color. But the chest speckling on the bird on the right is very nice, head and bills are nice (except for the far right bird that shows just the head and neck. Bill is longer than I like)
Personally, I LOVE this little drake. Hes on the small side and has a long bill, short neck, and could use some fullness to his chest. But his speckles are remarkable. So I plan to use him with some of my better conformed hens this spring
Nice bird here. Desirable chest markings, needs bill color
Poor quality. No leg or bill color. Too much white, funky shaped head, legs set too far back
Heres a good example of the runnerish stance you DON'T want (bottom left and right). Granted many will stand like this if you startle them, but judge yours when they are acting normally and that will give you an idea of how they stand at rest
Poor quality- short body, chest isn't full, runnerish bill
I hope that helps a little! Remember that this is not a recognized breed so there is no set standard. Which means you can technically breed for whatever you personally like. But who take the breed seriously use the suggested standard that was written by Dave Holderread
In my experience, they stay cleaner and seem happier if allowed to free range rather than being penned. Mine are penned this time of the year for breeding and they get mad about it. Haha
For quality, heres what ti look for
PATTERN: broken, speckled asymmetrical pattern. Spots under the eyes, on the bill, and the legs/feet. Chest marking are highly desirable. You want roughly 1/3 color and 2/3 white and want it to be random patterns. Not solid backs or heads as that means they can easily be confused with their relative, the magpie.
SIZE: this will vary by the flock as some breeders want smaller birds while others breed them large to serve better as a dual purpose (meat) bird. I like them in the middle. Hens around 6 lbs and drakes around 7 lbs.
CONFORMATION: this will also vary greatly by the bird. I aim for NO runnerish features (long necks, long slender body, long bill with a straight fixture to the head, and upright stance). You will see a lot of anconas with these qualities. IMO, they are very poor quality. I like more of a horizontal carriage, round head with a medium length bill thats slightly curved, legs positioned in the middle rather than towards the back of the body, full chest and a medium length, full body (basically).
I'll post a few pics with good/bad qualities just to point a few out to you if that helps!
I like this hen. She could use a little length to her body but overall a good specimen to work with
This hen is just ok. Legs are a bit far back, could use a little more color and foot markings,also needs a rounder head
These are decent birds. All could use foot and bill color. But the chest speckling on the bird on the right is very nice, head and bills are nice (except for the far right bird that shows just the head and neck. Bill is longer than I like)
Personally, I LOVE this little drake. Hes on the small side and has a long bill, short neck, and could use some fullness to his chest. But his speckles are remarkable. So I plan to use him with some of my better conformed hens this spring
Nice bird here. Desirable chest markings, needs bill color
Poor quality. No leg or bill color. Too much white, funky shaped head, legs set too far back
Heres a good example of the runnerish stance you DON'T want (bottom left and right). Granted many will stand like this if you startle them, but judge yours when they are acting normally and that will give you an idea of how they stand at rest
Poor quality- short body, chest isn't full, runnerish bill
I hope that helps a little! Remember that this is not a recognized breed so there is no set standard. Which means you can technically breed for whatever you personally like. But who take the breed seriously use the suggested standard that was written by Dave Holderread
