ancona hens

Ancona Chicken Breed & Care Guide

Ancona chickens are an attractive and hardy breed of chicken that originated in the Italian port city of Ancona. These chickens were developed for their egg-laying abilities, and are excellent layers of white or tinted eggs. They are an ideal breed for small backyards and urban homesteads, as they are relatively quiet, docile and non-aggressive. They have also been known to go broody, which can be a great benefit if you’re looking to hatch your own chicks.

Ancona Chicken History

The Ancona chicken is an old-fashioned breed developed in Central Italy in the port city of Ancona. The exact details of their origin are unknown, but they are thought to have descended from the Andalusian, Minorca, and Leghorn breeds. By the late 1800s, this chicken had become a popular breed and was exported to England and the United States. In 1922, the American Poultry Association officially recognized the Ancona chicken as a breed.

Ancona Chicken Appearance

Ancona chickens are medium-sized birds, with a broad, full body and a slightly rounded back. They have a single comb that is medium in size, with five or six points. The comb, wattles and earlobes are all white. These chickens come in many colors and patterns, including black, blue, white, partridge, and black-tailed red. They have bright red eyes, yellow skin, and white or light pink legs and feet.

How Many Eggs Per Year Do Ancona Chickens Lay?

Ancona chickens lay an average of 200 to 220 eggs per year. They start laying eggs at around 5 months of age, but will reach their peak production at around 7 months old. The eggs they lay are white in color and generally weigh between 50 and 60 grams each.

Temperament

Ancona chickens are generally active and friendly, and they get along well with other chickens in the flock. They have a calm and docile disposition, and they are non-aggressive. They are relatively quiet birds, and they can be quite curious and entertaining. Ancona chickens are also known to go broody, which can be a great asset if you’re looking to hatch your own chicks.

Care

Ancona chickens are fairly hardy birds, and they can adapt to a wide range of climates. They do best in moderate climates, but they can handle cold temperatures as well. These chickens are not great foragers, so it is important to provide them with a balanced diet that includes plenty of protein. It is also important to keep their housing clean and dry, as damp environments can lead to diseases. Ancona chickens do not need a lot of space, and a small backyard or urban homestead is usually sufficient.

Ancona chickens need a secure and comfortable coop that is large enough for them to move around in and provides plenty of space for them to roam and explore. The coop should have plenty of ventilation with windows, vents, or open sides to ensure the chickens are well-ventilated and stay cool in the heat of summer. It should also be well-insulated to keep the chickens warm in the winter months.

The coop should also have a covered area for the chickens to roost and nest in. The floor of the coop should be covered with a thick layer of bedding to keep the chickens dry and warm and to provide them with a comfortable area to lay eggs. The coop should also be placed in a shady area to prevent overheating. Finally, the coop should be cleaned regularly to keep the chickens healthy and free of disease and parasites.

Overall, Ancona chickens are a great choice for small backyards and urban homesteads. They are quiet, docile birds with beautiful colors and patterns. They are also excellent layers of white or tinted eggs. With proper care and nutrition, Ancona chickens can live for up to 10 years. If you’re looking for a reliable egg-laying breed, Ancona chickens are a great choice.

Thomas Nelson
Gardening Expert
Hi! I'm Thomas, one of the founders of The Garden Magazine. I come from a long line of gardeners who used the art of gardening as a way to live long, healthy lives. I'm here to share my knowledge of gardening with the world!