I have one Ancona now and getting more in the Spring because I have fallen in love with the breed.
Eggs: Our Ancona is an amazing layer who has not missed a day in 6 months - laying through the winter. Eggs are white and shaped a little more oblong than my Pekin and Runner.
Temperament: She gets along great with other breeds, including my very aggressive Pekin drake. She has the energy to keep up with my Runner but is calm enough to hang out with the Pekins. She doesn't love to be picked up but doesn't fight it either, making it easy to do health checks. I've read that some people consider them loud, but I don't find that to be the case with my Ancona. She rarely makes a noise unless it's feeding time - and the occasional really loud 'quack laugh' which we just find to be adorable.
Flight Risk: Sometimes she will jump straight up and fly about 2 feet - then struts around so proud of herself - there's no need to worry about Anconas flying away.
Size: The size is perfect in my opinion. Legs are sturdy and body is tight so very minimal risk for leg injuries or issues.
Foraging: My Ancona will eat anything in her path. She's the only one of my ducks that's eaten a large frog and a mole - with no digestive issues whatsoever. She has no issues catching them either!
Water: I wouldn't recommend getting this breed if they won't have access to water regularly for swimming. Our Ancona loves to swim!
Eggs: Our Ancona is an amazing layer who has not missed a day in 6 months - laying through the winter. Eggs are white and shaped a little more oblong than my Pekin and Runner.
Temperament: She gets along great with other breeds, including my very aggressive Pekin drake. She has the energy to keep up with my Runner but is calm enough to hang out with the Pekins. She doesn't love to be picked up but doesn't fight it either, making it easy to do health checks. I've read that some people consider them loud, but I don't find that to be the case with my Ancona. She rarely makes a noise unless it's feeding time - and the occasional really loud 'quack laugh' which we just find to be adorable.
Flight Risk: Sometimes she will jump straight up and fly about 2 feet - then struts around so proud of herself - there's no need to worry about Anconas flying away.
Size: The size is perfect in my opinion. Legs are sturdy and body is tight so very minimal risk for leg injuries or issues.
Foraging: My Ancona will eat anything in her path. She's the only one of my ducks that's eaten a large frog and a mole - with no digestive issues whatsoever. She has no issues catching them either!
Water: I wouldn't recommend getting this breed if they won't have access to water regularly for swimming. Our Ancona loves to swim!
