The Andalusian Chicken Breed

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Andalusian chickens are one of the oldest Mediterranean chicken breeds and were named after Andalusia, a province in Spain. Despite their long history, the true origins of this breed remain unknown. Like other Mediterranean chicken breeds, Andalusians are known for their symmetrical and compact physique, as well as their elegant posture.

These chickens are prized for their elegant and graceful appearance, particularly their striking blue-laced plumage, which makes them a popular choice for exhibition. Their feathers are a slate-blue color with narrow lacing in a darker blue shade. They have medium-sized single combs and smooth, almond-shaped earlobes that are white in color. The legs and feet are a black leaden-blue color, and their skin is white.

While Andalusian hens are excellent layers of large, white eggs, they do not frequently go broody, making them poor sitters. However, they are known for their excellent foraging abilities and active nature. Unlike other Mediterranean breeds, Andalusians tend to be less flighty and quieter, making them a great choice for those who want a more relaxed backyard flock.

Quick Breed Facts

Alternative name(s): None
Hen (female) weight: 4-5lbs
Rooster (male) weight: 6-7lbs
Eggs per-week: 3-4
Egg productivity: Good
Egg color: White
Egg size: Large
Category / purpose / use: Eggs & show
Temperament: Friendly, flighty, active, noisy
Broodiness: Not often
Comb type: Single
Rarity: Uncommon
Feathered legs: No
Breed size: Standard
Climate tolerance: All climates
Foraging (free-ranging) ability: Excellent
Hybrid: No
Skin color: White / pink
Other color varieties: blue, black & splash
Recognized in the American Poultry Association?: Yes
Country of origin: Spain

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this breed a good beginner-type breed?: Andalusian chickens are a hardy breed and make a great choice for beginners, although at times, they can be flighty and easily spooked. This breed is also known for being loud and chatty at times, which isn’t the best for those in the suburbs/city. They will need a lot of space if you choose to house them in an enclosed run/pen or else boredom can lead to feather plucking and bullying. Young hens (pullets) start laying at 5-to-6 months of age and are excellent layers of large-sized white eggs. They are a wonderful all-around breed of chicken suitable for everyone looking to start their own flock.

Can this breed do well in a confinement-like setting?: Andalusian chickens are an active and flighty breed that enjoys having plenty of space to move around and explore. Confining them to a small run or pen can lead to boredom which can cause them to feather pluck each other and cause the potential of bullying. These chickens do best in a large, open area where they can free-range and forage, or in a large spacious enclosed run/pen with a secured and spacious coop.

Is this breed predisposed or prone to any health conditions, concerns or disease?: It is important to note that there may be some challenges associated with raising any sort of rare breeds and many chicken owners find it to be a rewarding experience to help preserve and protect these unique chicken breeds. As with any rare breed, Andalusian chickens may have a smaller gene pool, which can lead to increased sensitivity and fragility as chicks. Andalusian chickens are not known for developing any health conditions, however, since being bred strictly for egg production, this breed has an increased risk of becoming egg bound and having a shorter lifespan compared to other breeds of chickens.

How does this breed handle different climates & temperatures?: Andalusian chickens are a hardy breed that can thrive in various climates. However, they are more sensitive to extreme temperatures and their large single combs can be prone to frostbite in cold climates.

The Pros & Cons of Andalusian Chickens

The pros:

They make a wonderful beginner breed of chicken for newbie chicken owners!
Andalusian chickens mature a lot more earlier than other breeds.
They don’t consume a ton of feed compared to other breeds of chickens━ this is due to their lean stature and their amazing ability to forage for food!
They are an excellent source of laying large white eggs!
Wonderful foragers, performing great with a free-range setting.
Andalusian chickens would make an amazing poultry exhibitioner-type breed of chicken for anyone wanting or looking to show birds!
Roosters of this breed are a lot more tolerant of each other and are less likely to fight as long as there is enough room to get away.

The cons:

Even though Andalusian chickens are known to be much more calmer than other Mediterranean breeds of chickens, they are still an active breed, making them naturally jumpy and flighty if not worked with at a younger age.
This breed of chicken doesn’t do well in confinement and needs a larger area to run around or else boredom can occur.
Andalusian chickens are noisy, making them not the best breed of chicken for those who live in the suburbs/city.
Since Andalusian chickens have such a large comb, they are prone to becoming victims of frostbite.
Since this breed was bred strictly for egg production, Andalusian chickens have an increased risk of becoming egg-bound (egg binding / egg that is stuck inside), Salpingitis (lash egg infection caused by the Staph bacteria), developing reproductive cancer, and having a shortened lifespan.

Are Andalusian Chickens The Right Breed Of Chicken For You?

Yes— the Andalusian chicken breed is good for you or your flock if you..

Want an excellent egg layer of white-colored eggs.
A breed of chicken that can perform well and is tolerant of all climates.
Want a breed that’s hardy and easy to raise.
Want a uniquely-colored chicken added to your flock!
Are looking for a breed of chicken that are wonderful foragers and performs very well in a free-ranging setting.
Want a breed of chicken that can be used in poultry shows / exhibitions.