If you're searching for ancona ducks for sale, you're probably already drawn to their unique beauty and practical value. Ancona ducks are becoming increasingly popular among backyard poultry keepers and small farmers in the United States. Their calm nature, excellent egg-laying ability, and striking feather patterns make them an ideal choice for both beginners and experienced duck owners.



However, raising Ancona ducks—just like any other poultry—comes with responsibilities. Before you purchase these lovely birds, there are some key things you should know to ensure your ducks stay healthy and happy for years to come. In this complete guide, we’ll walk you through everything new owners need to understand: from the Ancona breed itself, to how to prepare your home, feeding, housing, and care tips.



Let’s get started.



What Makes Ancona Ducks Special?

Ancona ducks are a rare heritage breed originally developed in the United Kingdom. Their name comes from the port city of Ancona in Italy, although they have no direct connection to it. What truly makes them stand out is their appearance and temperament.



Unique Feather Patterns

Each Ancona duck has a distinctive pattern of spots and splashes across its body. No two are exactly alike. Their base color is usually white, but the spots can be black, blue, chocolate, silver, or lavender.



Calm and Friendly

Anconas are calm, gentle birds. They aren’t as nervous or noisy as some other duck breeds. This makes them a favorite among families, especially those with children.



Excellent Egg Production

A healthy Ancona hen can lay between 200 and 280 large eggs per year. The eggs are usually white or pale blue and have strong shells and rich flavor.



Hardy and Adaptable

Ancona ducks are known for being hardy in both cold and warm climates. They do well in different environments and are less prone to some common poultry diseases.



Things to Know Before Buying Ancona Ducks

Now that you know what makes Ancona ducks great, let’s look at the essential things every first-time duck owner should understand before bringing them home.



1. Ducks Are Social

Ducks are flock animals. They don’t do well alone. It’s highly recommended to buy at least two or more ducks. This helps them stay healthy, active, and emotionally balanced.



2. Ducklings Need Special Care

If you're buying baby Ancona ducklings, they’ll need a heat source, like a heat lamp, until they grow feathers (around 4 to 6 weeks old). The brooder area should be dry, warm, and protected from pets and predators.



3. Ducks Are Messy

Unlike chickens, ducks love to splash water everywhere. They need water deep enough to dunk their heads in. Be ready for wet bedding and water-filled playtime.



4. They Require Outdoor Space

Anconas are great foragers and love to roam around. Make sure they have enough outdoor space to move freely. A small backyard is fine, as long as they’re not confined all day.



5. Predator Protection Is a Must

Foxes, raccoons, hawks, and even neighborhood dogs can harm your ducks. Secure fencing, locked nighttime housing, and netting over open areas can help keep your ducks safe.



Preparing Your Home for Ancona Ducks

Before you look for ancona ducks for sale, you need to set up their living environment properly. Here’s a checklist of what you’ll need:



1. Duck Coop or Shelter

You’ll need a dry, ventilated shelter to protect your ducks from wind, rain, and predators. The shelter doesn’t have to be fancy, but it should:



Keep out predators



Be draft-free in the winter



Have straw, hay, or shavings for bedding



Allow easy access for cleaning



2. Fenced Outdoor Run

Ducks love to explore. A fenced outdoor area is essential to let them forage while staying safe. Ancona ducks especially love to dig around in the grass and hunt bugs.



3. Water Access

Ancona ducks enjoy swimming, but even a small kiddie pool is enough. Make sure the water is cleaned regularly. Also, they must have access to clean drinking water 24/7.



4. Food Containers and Feed

Use shallow, tip-proof feeders and waterers. Duck feed should be age-appropriate. For example:



Starter feed (non-medicated) for ducklings



Grower feed after 2 weeks



Layer feed for egg-laying ducks



You can also feed them veggies, oats, corn, and fruits in moderation.



What to Feed Your Ancona Ducks

Feeding your Ancona ducks the right diet is essential to their growth, egg production, and overall health.



Balanced Diet Includes:

Commercial Duck Feed: Offers proper nutrients, especially niacin which is crucial for duck leg development.



Greens: Lettuce, spinach, peas, and herbs.



Grains: Oats, wheat, corn (as a treat).



Insects: They’ll find bugs while foraging, which is great for protein.



Clean Water: Always available, especially during meals.



Avoid feeding ducks:



Bread



Junk food



Avocados



Citrus



Chocolate



Onions



Raising Ancona Ducks from Ducklings

If you're buying ducklings, here's a brief guide to what you need during their first weeks:



Week 1–2:

Keep temperature at 90°F in the brooder



Use non-slip bedding like towels or rubber mats



Feed chick or duck starter feed (non-medicated)



Change water often, since they’ll make a mess



Week 3–5:

Reduce temperature by 5°F each week



Let them play outside briefly (supervised)



Begin introducing treats like peas and chopped greens



Week 6–8:

They can start going outside full-time if weather permits



Begin transition to grower feed



Provide access to small swimming containers



By 7–8 weeks, they’ll have most of their feathers and won’t need supplemental heat.



Tips for Keeping Adult Ancona Ducks Healthy

Once your ducks are grown, keeping them healthy becomes a daily habit. Here are a few tips:



Clean the shelter weekly to reduce smell and bacteria



Change bedding every few days



Provide fresh drinking water twice a day



Let them out to forage during the day



Watch for signs of sickness (lethargy, droopy wings, cloudy eyes)



Offer oyster shells or calcium if they’re laying eggs



Egg Laying and Breeding

Female Ancona ducks can begin laying eggs as early as 5 months old. Their egg production depends on:



Proper diet



Daylight hours



General health



You don’t need a drake (male) for eggs unless you plan to hatch ducklings. Ancona ducks are also good mothers if you’re interested in natural breeding.



Benefits of Raising Ancona Ducks

Here’s a quick look at why many backyard farmers and homesteaders choose Ancona ducks over other breeds:



1. Dual-Purpose

They’re excellent for both egg-laying and meat, although many people keep them primarily for eggs and pets.



2. Low Noise

They’re quieter than other duck breeds, making them suitable for suburban neighborhoods.



3. Environment-Friendly

Their foraging behavior helps control pests like snails, beetles, and worms.



4. Good with Chickens

Ancona ducks usually get along well with chickens, although you’ll need separate water tubs (ducks dirty them quickly).



5. Long Lifespan

With good care, Ancona ducks can live 8 to 10 years, offering long-term companionship and productivity.



Common Challenges for New Duck Owners

Every animal comes with its own set of challenges. Here are some issues new duck owners may face—and how to solve them:



Problem: Wet, muddy bedding

Solution: Use straw or pine shavings, and change frequently.



Problem: Predator attacks

Solution: Use strong fencing, hardware cloth, and secure your duck house each night.



Problem: Ducks not laying

Solution: Check their diet, age, stress levels, and daylight hours.



Problem: Niacin deficiency in ducklings

Solution: Add brewer’s yeast to their food or switch to duck-specific starter feed.



Final Thoughts

Searching for ancona ducks for sale is the first step toward a rewarding experience in backyard poultry keeping. These ducks are not only beautiful but also practical, gentle, and low-maintenance—making them a perfect fit for beginners and experienced owners alike.



Before buying, make sure you have the right shelter, food, and time to care for your new feathered friends. Prepare a clean and safe environment, feed them properly, and give them lots of love and freedom to explore.



Reputable breeders like Ayla Backyard Poultry raise high-quality Ancona ducks with care and attention to health. Whether you want them for eggs, pets, or to add charm to your backyard, Ancona ducks are a smart and delightful choice.



By educating yourself and planning ahead, you’ll give your ducks the happy life they deserve—and enjoy a joyful, egg-filled experience in return.