Ancona chicken
 | |
| Country of origin | Italy; United Kingdom |
|---|---|
| Traits | |
| Weight |
|
| Skin color | Yellow |
| Egg color | White |
| Comb type | Single or rose |
| Classification | |
The Ancona is a breed of chicken which originated in the Marche region of Italy, but which was bred to its present type mainly in the United Kingdom in the 19th century. It is named after the city of Ancona, capital of the Marche. It is popular in Britain and the United States, but uncommon in Italy; there have been recent initiatives to re-establish it in its native area.
It is noted for its ability to produce large white eggs. It is an excellent, economical layer, as it lays an average of 250 - 300 eggs per year. Anconas are hardy fowls that thrive in high & low temperatures.
History
The first Ancona chickens were imported into England in 1851.[1] In 1880 a breeder named Cobb showed a group. Some birds were exported from Britain to the United States in 1888. Rose-combed Ancona chickens were first shown in Birmingham in 1910.[2]
In the United States, the single-comb Ancona was recognised by the American Poultry Association in 1898, and the rose-comb bird in 1914.[3]
Characteristics
The plumage of the Ancona is black with white "V" tips on the end of the feathers. Its dark plumage makes it harder for predators to see, and has a beetle green tint.
This breed has four toes on each foot, no feathering on its legs which are yellow mottled with black, and does not possess a crest. Their combs are medium in size, and single comb Ancona females should have a neat comb that falls to one side.[4]
Cocks weigh 2.5 to 2.8 kg (5.5 to 6.2 lb) and hens 1.8 to 2.1 kg (4.0 to 4.6 lb);[5] ring sizes are 18 mm and 16 mm respectively for full-sized birds, and 13 mm and 11 mm for bantams.[6]
References
- ^ Breed data sheet: Ancona/Italy. Domestic Animal Diversity Information System of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. Accessed June 2013.
- ^ Alessio Zanon (2003–2012). Ancona (in Italian). Il Pollaio del Re. Accessed June 2013.
- ^ Ancona Chicken. American Livestock Breeds Conservancy, 1993–2009. Accessed June 2013.
- ^ American Poultry Association (1998). The American Standard of Perfection. Petaluma, CA: Global Interprint.
- ^ Ancona (in Italian). Atlante delle razze di Polli - Razze italiane. Accessed June 2013.
- ^ Elenco delle razze riconosciute dallo Standard Italiano: anelli di riconoscimento e colorazioni ufficiali (in Italian). Federazione Italiana Associazioni Avicole. Accessed June 2013.
See also
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