Chicken Breed History:

The Andalusian breed of chicken, like the beautiful Andalusian horse, was developed in the Spanish province of the same name. This Mediterranean, close-feathered breed was produced by crossing a black bird with one of its white “sports” (a genetic mutation that produces a different color). It was first shown at the Crystal Palace in 1851 which took place in Hyde Park, England. The breed was used in the genetic experiments of the famous nineteenth-century monk Gregor Mendel, and helped him to understand recessive genetic traits, since two blue birds produce half blue offspring and one-quarter each black and splash offspring. Since then, the breed has been improved by selective breeding to produce the blue-with-black lacing that we see today.

Chicken Breed Comments / Experience:

Hardy, early great layers. Very active and talkative. Great foragers, best at free range but bears confinement in large open coops with large outdoor run. Combs on roosters get large and can get frost bite. Chicks are very active and can be very friendly if handled early and frequently. The eggs are wonderful to hatch and candle.