Ancona Ducks

[ChristineR]

I've found those type of markings to be very dominate where the majority of ducklings hatch out with large color patches on their backs....... It almost became a set pattern which is not something you want on Anconas. I personally prefer spots over patches in the breed.

Yes, I think this is very true. I sold most of mine (except a couple that my daughter is attached to that will go in the pet flock before breeding season) that had those type of markings with large blocks of color on the back and no chest markings. I'll have to read the breed description in Holderread's pamphlet again, but if I remember right, those large color blocks are not desirable because you don't want any sort of pattern to develop. I kept his breeding advice in mind when deciding which to keep and which to sell. It seems like there was also a ratio of color to white that you want. I'll have to look again, but it seems like it was 2:3...? Does that sound right? I can't remember.

 

[Goose and Fig]

Mine all have more color on their backs, but it is far too random to really call it a pattern. I can easily tell them apart from across the yard.
I like being able to identify them at a glance like that. Still trying to get more colors in the flock though.

 

[Chicken Crazy12]

1/4 to 3/4 of their plumage white, irregularly splashed or spotted. So according to that the solid backed ones are within that range of color ratio, but I read irregularly splashed or spotted and the slolid patch markings are quite regular in the breed, not splashed and more of a patch of color as apposed to spots of color. Therefor I lean toward the 3/4 white 1/4 color ratio on my flock because you get more unique spots and more broken up spots.

I'm not saying there is anything wrong with the large patched anconas we have a few here that have not been culled out yet and they are great ducks and very pretty. Just not what I would consider to be ideal marking for the breed.

 

[Goose and Fig]

I think it depends on how you interpret the standard. I think what you are doing is fine, and your flock will stand out, but it is not how I personally would want my entire flock to look. I am partial to the stripey feet too.
A mixed flock of the the 2 types might be nice though.

 

[Valntyn]

Oh, Chicken Crazy12, those are really beautiful!! I enjoy seeing the different flocks of BYC's members; each group is so different, as each member strives for a different look.

 

[Chicken Crazy12]

Different standard interpretation is so true..... I used to show rabbits and not only does each breeder interpret the standards differently but so do the judges. I think it's great to talk about the genetics and what seems to be an issue with them especially when tackling such a challenging breed like the Ancona duck. That pattern is a tough one to get down and I've also noticed a very high number of Anconas actually having the wrong eye color you don't hear many breeders even discuss eye color but I think it's time we do because I can't tell you how many Anconas I've seen and owned with brown eyes when they should be blue. Also the white chests are a big issue in the breed and a hard thing to breed away from.

I would love to see this breed get recognized by the APA and when we all start coming together comparing notes, discussing the standard etc...... that will help move this breed closer to that goal. Keep the talk coming! Lets get these Ancona ducks back in popular demand.

 

[Chicken Crazy12]

Chocolate hen showing what I consider ideal feet and bill markings. I like to see spots instead of stripes.

 

[toadbriar]

I think I like more color on mine. Those almost look like a whole new breed to me.

I just love this pic from kswaterfowl- post 6: https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/331992/i-hatched-out-3-ancona-ducks-new-pic-post-10

hahaha this was the saddest thread ever, my all-white first hatch.

I took a pic of some of my birds today -

 

[ChristineR]

hahaha this was the saddest thread ever, my all-white first hatch.

I took a pic of some of my birds today -

I like the chocolate drake (front and center). Did you hatch these yourself?

 

[toadbriar]

Thanks, he's actually a very rusty blue. He'll pass on some breast marking, and I am trying to select towards a more substantial bird than some of mine have been (with dual function in mind) so these boys are selected for a bit more bulk this time around. I've been working on my flock for a couple years, my foundation birds originally came from a flock in ND and a few birds from Cackle.