(3.) Anconas lay large eggs having white shells; The size of tl\e 

 eggs is worth considering, and the color of the shell is very significant 

 as the best markets pay a premium of several cents a dozen for whites 



(4.) Anconas are a hardy breed. This is true of both little chicjcs, 

 and mature fows. They have been bred in this country long enough ^q 

 be thoroughly acclimated. They stand the cold winters of the Dako.tas 

 and Canada. They are not succeptible to disease, and their extreme 

 hardiness under all conditions is one of their strong recommendations. 

 Hardiness has been a feature of the breed for centuries, as the country of 

 their origin has as great a diversity of climate as has America. 



(5.) Anconas mature very early. Their precociousness in this direc- 

 tion is always remarked on by breeders who are not familiar with them. 



As stated earlier in this chapter pullets often begin laying when but 

 sixteen weeks old, and it is not infrequent that they lay earlier. At 

 twenty weeks they are in full lay, not just an occasional egg but from 

 five to seven every week. 



The cockerels are quick to develope to the light broiler stage,and with 

 their yellow legs and skin, plump bodies, and meat of fine texture and 

 exceptional flavor they are a dainty morsel and command a top price in 

 market. 



(6.) Anconas are non-setters. If you wish hens for hatching eggs I 

 advise you to keep a few heavier hens for broodies, as you cannot depend 

 on Ancona hens for hatching. There is no breed that never has its "set- 

 ters" and Anconas are no exception. During the hot weather there will 

 be a few "clucks," but they are easily broken up and soon commence lay- 

 ing again. I have had Ancona hens hatch a setting of eggs and care for the 

 brood very satisfactorily, but it is unusual and so few Ancona hens ever 

 show broodiness that you cannot depend on them for hatching. 



(7.) Anconas are adapted to either farm free range, or village close 

 confinement. On the farm they are great foragers, and pick up a goodly 

 amount of their living. Their color harmonizes with their surroundings, 

 and they are much less liable to be caught by hawks than are white or red 

 fowls. 



The back-lot poultry keeper will find Anconas tame, contented and 

 more of them may be kept in a limited area because of their medium size 

 and extreme hardiness. 



(8.) Anconas are handsome birds, from the little fluffy yellow-and- 

 black baby chicks to the stately cock and hen of pretty mottling and beau- 

 tiful sheen. In their development the chicks never undergo the half -clad 

 gauky stage common to most young fowls, but are slick and pretty every 

 day of their Uves. It is more pleasure to care for and be interested in 

 fowls that are so pleasing to look at. Anconas are certainly an ornament 

 to any premises, and their beauty never fails to attract attention. 



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