Ancona Chicken Thread

[har]

Quote:
How do I get a hold of Duane? I don't have a bator but my neighbor does maybe she can hatch them for me? or I could make a long trip and pick up chicks. Kim

Duane's ph is 507-451-6782

PS: let us know how you come out.

 

[Yellow House Farm]

Quote:
My first Anconas came from Murray McMurray, I don't know who was providing them eggs back then. But after 20 years, I think I can honestly say they're "my strain"' with a recent infusion of Zillich to get the rose comb genetics.

Do you prefer one strain over the other?

I'd say, all told, Zillich. They're less variable. Urch does have good type. They combs are a bit of a mess, but it's nothing that heavy hatching/culling couldn't fix.

 

[Yellow House Farm]

Quote:
My first Anconas came from Murray McMurray, I don't know who was providing them eggs back then. But after 20 years, I think I can honestly say they're "my strain"' with a recent infusion of Zillich to get the rose comb genetics.

Do you prefer one strain over the other?

I'd say, all told, Zillich. They're less variable. Urch does have good type. They combs are a bit of a mess, but it's nothing that heavy hatching/culling couldn't fix.

Also, I have found that Zillich birds are hardier and better producers. Although, Duane's toughen up fast enough. First generation from Urch might need babying in the winter. I have lost some from lack of hardiness. This is TOTAL CONJECTURE, but I have wondered if Zillich's birds are more exposed to the elements than Urch's, which would explain the greater cold hardiness in the former.

 

[Yellow House Farm]

Oh, one last note, I have a breeding cocke from Zillich who, at five years old, has a fertility rating in the 90 % range with 7 hens--not too shabby.

 

[buffalogal]

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Well hang on to him 'cause you'll probably not find another. Fred sold all of his Anconas last year and the last I heard they had a rough time over the winter; only one of the RC males survived, and two, maybe three of the SC. The new owner was doing everything he could but i guess the move from Kansas to Iowa didn't agree with them.

 

[PolishMan89]

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COOL R.C. ANCONA HAVEN'T HEARD OF MANY WITH THEM .
DOES ANY ONE KNOW
WHO HAS THE BAST ANCONA AROUND BOTH IN S.C & in R.C ???

 

[Yellow House Farm]

Quote:
Well hang on to him 'cause you'll probably not find another. Fred sold all of his Anconas last year and the last I heard they had a rough time over the winter; only one of the RC males survived, and two, maybe three of the SC. The new owner was doing everything he could but i guess the move from Kansas to Iowa didn't agree with them.

That's really too bad. We are becoming very few who have these birds. This means that Duane is the only source now with the RC. Hopefully we will be able to offer some next year.

 

[Yellow House Farm]

Quote:
COOL R.C. ANCONA HAVEN'T HEARD OF MANY WITH THEM .
DOES ANY ONE KNOW
WHO HAS THE BAST ANCONA AROUND BOTH IN S.C & in R.C ???

There are fewer and fewer Anconas about. Hatchery stock is common enough, but SQ stock is quite rare. RC Anconas are practically extinct.

If we can wrestle up a few more breeders, we might consider sstarting up an official APA sanctioned club in an attempt to bring up a stronger interest in Standard-bred stock.

 

[Yellow House Farm]

There are two books available in on-line format that one can read on google books. There full of great propaganda and lore, some rather interesting photos, great breeding information, etc:

A Little Jouney with Anconas http://books.google.com/books?id=nU...wAA#v=onepage&q=little journey ancona&f=false

and

A History of Anconas http://books.google.com/books?id=H9...CD0Q6AEwBA#v=onepage&q=history ancona&f=false

 

[har]

Day 8 of my 24 egg hatch only one bad!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!HEY Speaking of bloodlines and etc. These eggs come from Gabbard Farms. They sell only eggs(a lot on E-Bay) I wonder what these will turn out to be. Anybody have any idea?