Breed Profile: Ancona

Photo of Kassandra Smith

Kassandra Smith

Senior Editor • Backyard Chicken Coops

Last Updated: 18 July 2020

The Ancona is a typical Mediterranean breed of chicken, rustic, lively and hardy. These are the common fowls that inhabit central Italy. Named after the port of Ancona these birds range widely and take flight easily. The Ancona is also a particularly good egg layer.

Ancona chicken rooster in backyard

HISTORY

  • Class: Italy
  • Type: Large Fowl & Bantam
  • Size: Light 2-3kg
  • Rarity: Common
  • Purpose: Eggs
  • Recognized Varieties: Mottled black and white

EGG FACTS

Anconas lay around 180 lovely large eggs per year.

  • Egg Colour: White
  • Egg Size: Large

FEATURES

  • Comb Type: Single comb, Rose comb
  • Feathered Legs: No
  • Appearance: Yellow skin and mottled yellow and black legs

BACKYARD BEHAVIOUR

  • Hardy in Winter: Yes
  • Especially Docile: No
  • Personality: Anconas are often described as flighty but with calm firm handling they are quite docile. They are not known for being broody.

Family Friendly Rating: 3/5

From awesome Anconas to fancy Frizzles, there are so many amazing breeds to consider when starting your own flock. Deciding to become a chicken parent is the easy part. The hardest is deciding on your favourite breed! It can be eggstremely overwhelming to find the perfect fit for you and your family. From looks, to traits to egg-laying talents - where should you begin?

Cluckily, our friends over at Chickenpedia have created an amazing Chicken Breeds Course. This extensive online course shares helpful advice on choosing the right chickens for you as well as size & frequency of eggs laid. You will even learn about their individual personalities, and be able to use their family-friendly compatibility scale through this well-structured program. It really is a great way to find your perfect backyard buddies which is why I highly recommend them to all of my readers!  The courses are beginner-friendly and filled with vital information to help you raise a happy, healthy flock.

As chicken keepers, we want to do an eggcellent job when caring for our feathered friends. Unfortunately, many of us struggle to handle chicken health or behaviour issues, especially in the first few years of having a flock. Chickenpedia have a full range of comprehensive online courses that cover everything you didn’t know you need to know and then some more! From healthcare to raising baby chicks to feeding and behavior, get the knowledge and confidence to successfully look after your chickens.

As a member, you will get access to ALL their incredible courses. So, no need to wing it, become a confident chicken keeper. Click here to check out Chickenpedia today!

Feature image by: Festina lente

Sources and further reading