Atlanta Georgian. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1912-1939, 1912-06-22
THE MODERN ANCONA
is A SPLENDID FOWL

They are active and can fly, but are not
the widest birds, by any means. They
seem to recognize promptly the presence
of any strangers in their parks and are
apt to resent the intrusion with a demon
stration that would have been absent, had
the attendant entered along with his feed
pail. on such occasions Anconas are so
friendly that they frequently fly upon
their attendants arms or feed pan and
insist on eating out of the pan.
When | started to breed Anconas, my
wife was not enthusiastic. but the beau
|ty of these handsome birds attracted her
attention, and as the months and years
have passed, her admiration has grown
for our beautiful birds She now enjoys
Fan occasional visit in the parks, and is
capable of pointing out high scoring birds
She always takes much pleasure in Wis
iting them in their winter quarters. Their
winter home is a scene of activity. They
scratch in the straw and sing and give
an abundance of eggs.
As my wife steps inside of the pens
she has been amused to see some Of the
more friendly ones perch themselves on
her arms and shoulders Now do these
little incidents I have told at such length
indicate that these birds are very wild?
Their Utility Qualities.
They are a fine fowl for the specialist
to test his skill on The contrast OF
black and white in their plumage makes
them very beautiful. They are very alert
and striking in carriage and are very
graceful; indeed. they present such
splendid appearance that they seem to
be on dress parade at all times
Both varieties .tRose and Single Comb
of Anconas are hardy and prolific The
females are non sitters, few of them
showing tendency to broodiness, and so
are especially valuable as egg producers.
Anconas are known as egg machines.
They lay large. white egg and many
pullets lay at four and a half months of
age. Four Ancona hens have the wonder
full record Of laying 1913 eggs in twelve
months, BY proper breeding, Anconas
have increased their egg record since then
to the wonderful figure of 27o. which is
a positive trap-nest record. In foreign
government tests Anconas rank first
Captain James w Perrin, of Alabama.
wrote me few weeks ago as follows;
"a puIiet ! purchased has laid so eggs
in 81 consecutive days and rs eggs in 50
consecutive days, and is still busy
poultry journal that this is the worlds
record.
They are meeting all the requirements
of the city fancier and the farmer as well.
Speaking from my own experience. | will
state that at this time of the year, when
the price of eggs is high l find that my
neighbors large hocks have gone on their
vacation some time back while my faith
full flocks continue to fill our egg baskets
very generously.
The demand for Anconas is growing
very rapidly. Since I have been breeding
them, | have been raising larger num-
bers each year ! planned to raise enough
to meet the heavy demand each season.
but so far have not been able to raise
enough of these great layers
Breeding pens should consist of ten to
fifteen females to one male although /
have seen some breeders allow twenty
females TO every male with good re-
suits
on account of their hardness, the gen
eral fertility is strong have shipped
eggs 5000 miles and 30 per cent Matched.
frequently get 100 per cent from eggs
Matched near by.
Reasons for Selecting Anconas.
Here are five reasons for selecting An
conas:
First they are one of the greatest lay
ers 10 poultrydom.
Second, they appeal TO the admiration
of true fanciers on account Of their hand
some feathers.
Third, their meat is sweet and juicy,
making them a good table fowl although
they are not as large as the heavier
breeds
Fourth, they are active, hardy and
easy 10 rear; are great fora gers and ca
pabe Of picking up large portion of
their living when given free range.
Fifth. the chickens are attractive, ac-
tive and easy to raise.
They do not bring as much as some Of
the heavier fowl when sold for able pur-
poses. but they do not eat as much and
lay many more eggs All writers and
breeders agree that ITS the hen that
laws that pays" or that the profit comes
from the eggs Occasionally we may find
a farm paving dividends that makes a
speciality Of raising table fowls, but It IS
rare case TO find an egg farm that does
not pay profit Where one man makes
money selling table fowls you viii prob