Ancona Chicken Thread

[Amyable]

Since the RC Ancona is so hard to find, is it possible to breed for that trait from single-combed birds?? I have 3 Ancona hens and 1 roo from Sandhill; one has a comb substantially smaller than the others, it does not fall over at the back at all. RC birds would have a much easier time here in WI, my roo's comb and wattles took a beating this winter.

 

[buffalogal]

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All you need is one rose comb bird and you can develop a whole flock of them. Rose comb is dominant, but from what I've read, breeding rose comb to rose comb for multiple generations can lead to reduced fertility in the males, which is probably why commercial hatcheries prefer the single comb.

 

[Amyable]

Quote:
All you need is one rose comb bird and you can develop a whole flock of them. Rose comb is dominant, but from what I've read, breeding rose comb to rose comb for multiple generations can lead to reduced fertility in the males, which is probably why commercial hatcheries prefer the single comb.

Thanks buffalogal. So then how do you get around the reduced fertility problem? Introduce single combed birds once in a while?

 

[buffalogal]

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You're welcome. I've only had the RC variety a couple of years, but what I'll probably do is use a SC bird with a pen of RC because I think my SC are pretty nice as far as type goes. The reduced fertility means "as compared to a single comb bird", in other words, the RC males aren't as apt to be the dominant male and hustle the ladies. Another way to work around that would be to pen breed; separate a RC male with specific hens so he doesn't have to compete with the other males.

 

[Yellow House Farm]

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'Tis true. That's why we have the RC's. Perhaps Duane Urch in Minnesota would have some eggs for you. You could switch to the RC's which would be more appropriate for your clime.

 

[Amyable]

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You're welcome. I've only had the RC variety a couple of years, but what I'll probably do is use a SC bird with a pen of RC because I think my SC are pretty nice as far as type goes. The reduced fertility means "as compared to a single comb bird", in other words, the RC males aren't as apt to be the dominant male and hustle the ladies. Another way to work around that would be to pen breed; separate a RC male with specific hens so he doesn't have to compete with the other males.

Yes, breeding pens are what I'd do. Good to know 'reduced fertility' is not a physiological problem here. For those that have both RC and SC, do you notice any differences in temperament? My SC's are pretty flighty, and downright nasty when sitting in a nest. I think they're beautiful and worth preserving, but am having trouble totally committing to breeding them because of the attitude.

Yellow House, thanks, I'll keep him in mind. I am a newbie to breeding, soaking up as much info as I can.

 

[Yellow House Farm]

Quote:
You're welcome. I've only had the RC variety a couple of years, but what I'll probably do is use a SC bird with a pen of RC because I think my SC are pretty nice as far as type goes. The reduced fertility means "as compared to a single comb bird", in other words, the RC males aren't as apt to be the dominant male and hustle the ladies. Another way to work around that would be to pen breed; separate a RC male with specific hens so he doesn't have to compete with the other males.

Yes, breeding pens are what I'd do. Good to know 'reduced fertility' is not a physiological problem here. For those that have both RC and SC, do you notice any differences in temperament? My SC's are pretty flighty, and downright nasty when sitting in a nest. I think they're beautiful and worth preserving, but am having trouble totally committing to breeding them because of the attitude.

Yellow House, thanks, I'll keep him in mind. I am a newbie to breeding, soaking up as much info as I can.

You're welcome! And don't worry, you'll get used to them. You just need to see their qualities in a positive light. All of those quialities that might, from one view, seem objectionable are from another the very reason for which they are so thrifty and self-sufficient. Don Schrider, a much respected breeder of Light Brown Leghorns, refers to the as "real" chickens.

 

[har]

I was going through the Graigs list this morning and on the Oklahoma City list was RC Ancona roosters. Thought that was a bit unusual. The roosters were in Seminole, Ok and the person stated show quality

 

[buffalogal]

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That's my ad; Bowlegs is in Seminole county. What it says is that they are from show stock (in that regard, the pictures of the parents speak for themselves), but I'm not claiming the birds offered for sale being show quality. Personally, I'd like for the tails to be carried lower, but either one is world's better than hatchery stock and would be a noticeable improvement, type wise.

I've had well meaning people write to inform me that "Anconas are NOT rare, I just bought some at my feed store last week", or "my neighbor's kids have a couple and they have a rose comb..."
After some back and forth, we figure out what they're talking about are some kind of strawberry/walnut/pea combed "Ameraucanas/Aracaunas/Americaners", AKA "Easter Eggers". (or what I affectionately refer to as "McMutts") I think of it as a test of my nettiquette; I am unfailingly polite in the face of what often comes across as an accusation that I'm trying to cheat someone by claiming what they're sure are common birds are "rare". They are compelled to write and let me know they weren't born yesterday.

I refer them to several threads here at BYC comparing Araucanas, Ameraucanas and EEs, and they inevitably write back saying something like "Oh. Sorry about that." Public education, just one of many services I offer...

While that particular ad has yet to catch the eye of any real Ancona owners, there's a chance the cockerels might be going to Texas. Still, nothing firm yet, so if you'd like a start in RC Anconas, you're welcome to drive out. First come, first served.

(Edited to fix a couple of glaring typos)

 

[Gallusfarm]

Hey guys, me again.. The one who was sold the Exchequer Leghorns, but not sure if maybe they are Anconas...

Here are two of the youngsters growing up. What do you think? Thanks for your help.

I have to add that they are very sweet, curious birds. I was surprised by this, after expecting them to be very flighty..

Below, that's the two yr. old hen in the back. 5 mo. old pullet in front.