Chicken Breed Focus - Blue Andalusian

Manhen said:

Is the emperor wearing clothes? The birds called "blue" are clearly grey to me, or is it the rendition by my computer? Or just me?

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sumi said:

The Blue Andalusian aka Andaluza Azul is an ancient breed, originating as a landrace in south-west Spain in the region of Andalusia from whence it takes its name. The municipality of Utrera is considered the heartland of the breed. The exact make up of the Andalusian Breed is unknown, but the Castilian chicken breed was probably used as the root stock.

Andalusians were first imported into both the UK and US around 1850. The original birds were a dull gray/blue color and the show Andalusian with the striking blue-laced plumage we know today, was developed primarily in England for the showpen, and were first exhibited in 1853. While Blue is the only color shown, Andalusians, as is usual with Blue colored fowl, are also found in Black and Splash. They have very large single combs, large wattles and white skins and earlobes.

Andalusians are fast maturing and the hens are excellent layers of large white eggs, non-setters and good winter layers. They are a tough, hardy and active breed, though quite flighty. They do not take well to close confinement and will often become feather pickers if kept in those conditions. They are very good foragers, have good predator awareness and an excellent choice for a free range flock. They are fairly cold tolerant, thought their large combs and wattles, especially in the males, are susceptible to frostbite.

It was recognized by the APA in 1874 and is on The Livestock Conservancy's Threatened list.

Details:

Breed purpose: Egg layer, Exhibition
Comb Type: Large Single
Broodiness: Non-Setter
Climate Tolerance: Average
Weight: Roosters 7 lbs, Hens 5.5 lbs.
Egg Productivity: Very Good
Egg Size: Large
Egg Color: White

Blue Andalusian Pullet @PDPercherons

Blue Andalusian Pullets @Tbird84

Splash Andalusian Cockerel @PDPercherons

Black Andalusian Cockerel @Gingersnap722

Blue Andalusian Chick @jaymeellis06

BYC Breed reviews:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/products/andalusian

General breed discussions & FAQ thread:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/290822/blue-andalusian-thread/0_20


Do you own Andalusians? Are you an Andalusian breeder? If so, please reply to this thread with the your thoughts and experiences, including:

· What made you decide to get this breed?
· Do you own them for fun? Breeding? Some other purpose?
· What are your favorite characteristics about this breed?
· Post some pics of your birds; male/female, chicks, eggs, etc!

We have a bunch of other awesome breed-focus threads for you to enjoy. You can see all of them here: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/chicken-breed-focus-project.975504/

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