What can you tell me about Anconas?

[Renee]

Hi everyone,
What can you tell me about the Ancona breed of chicken? I think the hens are just spectacular, and I would like a chicken that does well in the heat. I have two Wyandottes now, but I lost my Silver Campine and I'm looking for a replacement.

 

[tackyrama]

We had one we purchased at a local livestock auction. we really liked her. She had so much personality. Made funny little noises all the time. Great egg layer. Died of old age. We would like to get more like her.

 

[TNpoultrybreeder]

Quote:
Hi Renee
There original name was Marchegiana, from the region of Ancona called the Marches. The name Ancona was given owing to the fact that poultry of this type appear to be common in the district of Eastern Italy around the port of Ancona. In the earlier edition of Mr. Lewis Wright's ( Book of Poultry ) it is suggested that the origin is to be found in accidental sports of this color from crossing Black and White Minorcas. But that suggestion was based upon incomplete evidence. In the last edition acknowledgment is made that it was incorrect, and that the earlier birds were Mottled Leghorns. The Ancona is most likely a variety of the Leghorn fowl, although it has succeeded in securing a separate classification out of its native land. The Anconas are excellent layers of white eggs and are non-sitters.

TNpoultrybreeder

 

[Renee]

Thanks for the responses.

tackyrama, when you say that the hen made all sorts of funny noises, would you characterize her as a loud chicken? My husband's office is near the coop, and he writes all day. The Silver Campine was a bit talkative and I would rather have another hen that is relatively quiet.

My run is pretty small too- only about 20x20 all together, but I let the girls out in the evening for an hour or two to destroy my garden. Is that enough room for an Ancona? Or are they unhappy when they are confined to a smallish space?

Renee

 

[tackyrama]

Quote:
She made funny soft noises. Our flock is free range so she was free to go where she wanted. Don't now how they are confined. When we first got her she was relunctant to go outside. My wife had to gently show her the way, then she was fine.