Ancona ducks

Ancona ducks are a rare and charming breed of domestic duck known for their distinctive mottled plumage, friendly personality, and excellent utility. Originating in the United States in the early 20th century, the Ancona is believed to have been developed from mixed heritage breeds, including the Runner and possibly the Pekin or Buff, with a strong emphasis on egg production, hardiness, and attractive markings.

What makes Ancona ducks stand out visually is their unique, irregularly patterned plumage. They come in a variety of color combinations, but the most common is black and white. The color patches are randomly distributed over the body, meaning no two Ancona ducks look exactly alike. Other varieties include blue, chocolate, silver, and lavender. They have orange legs, often mottled with black, and bills that can also show some speckling.

Ancona ducks are medium-sized, typically weighing between 6 to 6.5 pounds. They have a slightly upright posture and a sturdy, well-balanced build. One of their greatest advantages is their consistent and impressive egg-laying ability. A healthy Ancona hen can lay between 210 to 280 eggs per year, usually white or pale blue in color. Their eggs are large, and the ducks are known to continue laying throughout much of the year, including cooler months.

Temperament-wise, Anconas are calm, sociable, and curious. They are known to be friendly toward humans and get along well with other ducks and animals, making them an excellent choice for family farms and backyard flocks. They enjoy foraging and will eagerly search for insects, weeds, and slugs, contributing to natural pest control.

Another advantage of the Ancona duck is its hardiness. These ducks are resilient in a wide range of climates, tolerate wet conditions well, and are relatively disease-resistant. They are also excellent swimmers and appreciate access to clean water for bathing and play.

Due to their balanced combination of beauty, personality, and productivity, Ancona ducks are a favorite among poultry keepers who value both form and function. Though still considered a rare breed and listed as “critical” by the Livestock Conservancy, their popularity is steadily growing as more people discover their charm and versatility.

The Ancona duck was developed in Great Britain during the early twentieth century. They mature out on the average to about six to six and a half pounds and are a stocky built duck. There is no set design to their broken color pattern. Cackle Hatchery currently breed the black/white but you will occasionally get a few chocolates out of them.  The Ancona ducks are an excellent layer, a hardy all-purpose duck that grows relatively quickly. Typically they have moderately calm temperaments and make good yard ducks as they tend to stay closer to the home. They typically do not fly and make good backyard ducks. Cackle Hatchery is one of a few long term breeders of these genetics