TSC selling "critically endangered" birds?!

[TheBirdBabe]

So I usually go to Tractor Supply && buy ducks every year.. well this last year I really did my research on which ducks would be a good match for me. So I decided to continue my Mallard/Rouen family. When I saw the selection of ducks, they had no mallards. But I fell in love with these 2 little birds. They had different markings && I didn't know what breed they were, i bought them anyways. I waited until they got older to see what their colorings were. Well it turns out they're Anconas!!
Now, I've read that Anconas are endangered?! If so why would TSC be selling them, && at that rate why only for a couple of bucks?!
I need clarification.. =/

 

[Habibs Hens]

post a pic of them

 

[Habibs Hens]

Ancona ducks have an oval head, and a slightly concave length bill, with green specks, as well as plumage under the eyes. They weigh approximately 6.5 pounds as adults. They have medium-length necks shaped like an S that is smaller at the top with a wider bottom. As ducklings they are yellow with spots or speckles, and as adults are white with "Pinto" markings (no two animals have the same pattern). They come in a variety of colors including: Black and White, Blue and White, Chocolate and White, Silver and White, Lavender and White, and Tri-colored. Most common is black and white. Their bills and feet are orange, and may also be spotted.

 

[desertdarlene]

The breed Ancona is endangered, not the species. Basically, there are not a lot of people breeding them in the United States to continue a pure strain of the breed. So, the breed is in danger of dying out.

 

[TheBirdBabe]

Well, it won't let me upload pictures to this post. But they are on my profile.

 

[Britesea]

I think a lot of feed stores and such will order the bargain mix of ducklings from the hatchery. That means they will get the dribs and drabs of unsold ducklings from the hatch- which could include the occasional rare and endangered breed. I remember ordering a large bargain mix of chicks from Murray McMurray years ago... we got a lot of barred rocks and rhode island reds, and a couple of cornish X's, but we also got a few really interesting ones as well.

 

[SD Bird Lady]

Cackle hatchery sells Ancona ducks so I am just guessing they may supply your particular TSC.

 

[learycow]

Some TSC buy the bargin ducklings as they are usually cheaper (also why a lot of people end up with more males than females). So each TSC location usually has different breeds of ducks. I know that our local one will even buy from people in the area if the demand for ducklings is high enough. So there are chances that you will get some ducks that aren't in their "catalog".
Anconas are fairly easy to find nowadays, but if you want to get into breeding them then I would suggest steering away from hatcheries and stores. They usually get ones that are bred more for production rather than to the breed standards. I would get some from an actual breeder that has the knowledge and breeds quality birds.
I personally have gotten some from Cackle in the past. Out of 60 ducklings, I only kept 3 females that were worthy of using in my breeding program. Most of the ducks ended up with small heads, long slender bodies, slow producers, and a lot just didn't fatten up even after several months of trying to pack the weight on. So the hatchery birds are NOT bred to be used for breeding to support the ancona breed.