Flock Journey is the education home of Hoover's Hatchery | Ready for birds? Shop at hoovershatchery.com

White Egg Layers

Ancona Chickens: Active Italian White Egg Layer Breed Guide

White eggsSocial, Active, VocalCold hardyHeat hardy
240Eggs / year
In brief

Medium white eggs, 4 to 5 lb at maturity, and a social, active, vocal temperament.

Breed specifications

Ancona at a glance

Temperament
Social, Active, Vocal
Weight
4 to 5 lb
Eggs per year
240
Egg size
Medium
Egg color
White
Cold hardy
Yes
Heat hardy
Yes
Chick
Egg

The Ancona is an old Italian breed that is known for its ability to lay lots of white-shelled eggs. They are a lightweight breed that can have either a single or rose comb. The males develop long flowing tail feathers that make them especially eye-catching. The plumage is black with white-tipped feathers, this is known as mottling. With each molt, birds tend to get whiter. They are active birds, are great foragers, and thanks to their smaller size they eat less than larger breeds.

Fun fact: Medium white eggs.

Common questions

Ancona questions, answered

How many eggs does an Ancona lay?

About 240 medium white eggs per year.

How big do Anconas get?

Anconas weigh 4 to 5 lb at maturity.

What is an Ancona's temperament?

Social, Active, Vocal.

Is the Ancona cold and heat hardy?

The Ancona is cold hardy and heat hardy.

From Hoover's Hatchery

Ready for an Ancona?

When it is time to go from learning to Keeping, Hoover's has a complete selection of backyard poultry, hatched with care and shipped to your door or to a partner store near you.