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Ancona chicken

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Ancona

The Ancona is a breed of chicken originating in, and named after Ancona, Italy, but they have also been known in England since the late 19th century.

It is noted for its ability to produce white or sometimes tinted eggs, which are sometimes small in size. It also can lay a blue tinted egg depending on its genes. It is considered an excellent layer, as it lays an average of five eggs a week.

Characteristics

The Ancona's plumage is a mottled black with white speckles that tip the feathers. Its dark plumage makes it harder for predators to see, and often has a green or purple tint. It is a Mediterranean breed, which refers to its point of origin. Like other Mediterranean breeds, they are closely feathered.

Anconas can have either a rose or a single comb, as either are accepted by the American Poultry Association. This breed has four toes on each foot, no feathering on its legs, and does not possess a crest. Their combs are medium in size, and single comb Ancona females should have lopped combs.[1] Standard males weigh around six pounds, while hens weigh around four and a half pounds. It also comes as a bantam.

Standard Weight

Large Fowl
Gender kg g lb oz
Cock 2.72 2721.55 6 96
Hen 2.04 2041.16 4.5 72
Bantam
Gender kg g lb oz
Cock 0.74 737.09 1.63 26
Hen 0.63 625.00 1.38 22

References

  1. ^ American Poultry Association (1998). The American Standard of Perfection. Petaluma, CA: Global Interprint.

See also

List of chicken breeds