Ancona?

[bluemerle]

I've decided, for the sake of not having to worry about drake/hen ratios, to order some ducklings come March. Which leaves choosing a breed! Anconas definitely appeal to me, because they're so pretty and reportedly calm (important: since these guys will be pets more than anything else) but I'd love to hear about experiences from those who keep them! What are their temperaments like? Do they really have a female-led hierarchy amongst themselves? What are the drakes like? Any pictures?

 

[CrystaBub]

Hi! I love my Ancona - she's calm, quiet, smart, funny, gets along with all the other ducks, lays really well and minus one bumble, she's healthy as can be. I don't know about the female-led hierarchy but my girl did take really well to her Runner sister when they were introduced at 4mos old and they are best buds. I'm getting more Anconas in April from a BYC member here (LearyCow) b/c she has great stock with beautiful colors - but she doesn't sell sexed ducklings unless you order a breeding pair/trio. The only place I know that sells them sexed is Cackle, and only black/white color, but there may be other places that I'm unaware of. Maybe someone else will know. Here's my Dabby

 

[Jpat]

i had an ancona drake given to me. Beautifull duck and so quiet. he spoke in windy farts

i kick myself for eating him but there was no room. He didnt even taste that good


Ide love to get a female

 

[bluemerle]

CrystaBub Oh my, she's gorgeous! Thank you for sharing!

And yes - I do plan to order from Cackle! It's the only place I could find that would sell females only. It is a shame they only have b/w, but since I'm planning on only ordering three females, I can always expand my flock later when I have an incubator and can try some hatching eggs!

 

[CrystaBub]

Can't wait to see pics of your babies!

 

[jennybvcr]

Does anyone know where I could order 2 female Ancona's? Most places I have seen either don't carry (Metzer) or you must order 3 or more. I am quite set on only adding two to my flocks this year, but was really interested in Ancona.

 

[CrystaBub]

Does anyone know where I could order 2 female Ancona's? Most places I have seen either don't carry (Metzer) or you must order 3 or more. I am quite set on only adding two to my flocks this year, but was really interested in Ancona.

I don't b/c even Cackle requires 3. You're best bet is to probably check CL or FB for someone who wants to rehome female juveniles or adults... If you're on FB, there is a FB group for Anconas started by a BYC member - it's called Ancona Ducks - ISO and Where to Find Them. Here's the link - good luck!

https://www.facebook.com/search/top/?q=ancona ducks- iso and where to find!&epa=SEARCH_BOX

 

[djstanczak]

Does anyone know where I could order 2 female Ancona's? Most places I have seen either don't carry (Metzer) or you must order 3 or more. I am quite set on only adding two to my flocks this year, but was really interested in Ancona.

Cackle has females but I think minimum is 3

 

[learycow]

I do sell and ship but don't sell females only. I do trios (1 male and 2 females). My minimum to safely ship (for warmth) is 6. But often I have extras that I grow out and can ship in sets of 3 or 4. Feel free to message me

 

[Table4Six]

I have two Ancona hens. They are very beautiful and quite calm. Although, one of them has a particularly shy, almost flighty, disposition. Still, I have found them to be a very desirable breed.