The Andalusian Chicken also is known as blue Andalusian chicken breed, that was originated initially from the community of Andalusia in the South-western part of Spain. In Spanish, the blue Andalusian is called as “Andaluza Azul.” In the past this, fowl was found in an intense amount in the areas of Cordoba, Utrera and Seville. At present this breed is available in some countries but in a very small number. You may also need to look at Ameraucana Chicken Breed.
Andalusian Chicken Breed Origin
Though the true Parent of this breed is unknown it is more likely to believe that the black Castilians also known as landrace Chickens were breed together with the native chicken breed of Spain to generate the ancient Andalusian breed.
Export to other countries
In the 1840s the Andalusian was exported to England, and in 1853 this beautiful breed was exhibited at the baker street, London Show.
The exact date of the export Andalusian is not known but some agricultural writers believe that between the 1850s to 1860s this breed made its way to the united states. In 1874 the Andalusian was recognized by the American Poultry Association as a Mediterranean Bird.
Appearance
The Andalusian is a very attractive small-sized blue feathered Chicken. They have a bright red crest on top of their head. In case of hens, the comb or crest is slightly crooked to one side but the roosters have an upright comb with 5 defined points on it. Their eyes are reddish-brown. They have a slender body and their legs are blue and are clean of the feather. They have 4 toes per foot. The beak is curved slightly downward and is black. The Andalusian chicken is available in blue, black and Splash Color.
Dilution gene
An unusual fact about the Andalusian Chicken is that the only recognized Color of this breed is blue. But, the blue colour would not form without the splash and black members of this breed. This perplexity in the colour of the Andalusian breed is because of a particular incomplete dominant gene called as the dilution gene or in this case simply the blue gene. Dilution gene is a gene that gives a lighter coat colour to living organisms.
Colour Variety
If both parents don’t have a diluting gene than the chicks will be the colour of parents. If both parents are splash in colour than all offspring would also be a splash in colour. If both parents are black then all offspring would be black. If one parent is black and the other is splash than the offspring would be blue. If one parent is black and other is blue.
50% black and 50% blue offspring would be formed. If both parents are blue than half of the offspring would blue, 25% will be black and 25% would be a splash.
Egg-laying Capacity
The Andalusian Chicken is a good layer. They lay eggs at the age of 7 weeks earlier than many other breeds. Their eggs are white and vary in size from medium to large. They lay 3-4 eggs per week. Thus, you can expect 140-150 eggs per year. The Andalusian hens very rarely sit on their eggs, so you will have to use an incubator if you need chicks from their eggs.
Breeding Season
The best thing about the Andalusian breed is they lay eggs both in summer and winter season. Though, Andalusian hens lay eggs in winter season but being Mediterranean fowls they have a very low tolerance for severe cold weather.
Weight
The Andalusian chicken is small in size and light in weight. The hen weighs around 4.5-5lbs (around 2 kg) and the roaster weighs around 6-7lbs (about 3 kg)
Behaviour
The Andalusian Chicken is very curious towards human beings but they love their freedom and don’t like to pick up. They may come to you for food or treats but are not tame.
