The Ancona originates from Italy and although this particular bird displays a tendency to be flighty, it is easy to train and makes a great breed for family and backyard producers. After a period of gentle care, Ancona’s become a lot more trusting, however, it is still necessary to either clip their wings or ensure that they are completely fenced in. Traditionally, the Ancona variety is not overly broody and if managed correctly can produce up to 250 eggs per year. There is also a bantam Ancona which weighs significantly less than the pure Ancona. The appearance of the Ancona is characterised by colouring that is black (referred to as ‘beetle-green’) mottled with white, has spread out toes and yellow legs mottled with black. The Ancona is thought to be related to the Leghorn and in Germany, the breed is called Mottled Leghorns.
Soft feather – light
Mediterranean
The Ancona is beetle green with white tips and a distinctive v-shaped marking on its feathers.
Large Ancona
Rooster | 2.7-3 Kg |
Hen | 2.25 – 2.5 Kg |
Bantam Variety Ancona
Rooster | 570 – 680 g |
Hen | 510 – 620 g |
White to cream