Blue Andalusian thread!

[Lacy Blues]

You are right in with that - Andalusians are the hardest breed to keep, between the blacks and splashes and "we don't sit on eggs" - no wonder they are endangered. But still love them - blueandalusian.com

Mine sit. I had one lone female several years back who went broody for me. She had a daughter who did as well, and so did the daughter... on down through the years. Every year so far, I've had at least one go broody. In my bantam project I have several!

 

[sianpugh]

Send me one of her daughters!

Just shipped 4 roos to Mississippi today - yay!

Sian

 

[Lacy Blues]

Sure wish we could arrange that trade we talked about. I'd love to be able to help you out.

 

[sianpugh]

Bantam Andies? I've only ever seen those once - PA Farm Fair, they were gorgeous........Do you have some?

 

[sianpugh]

We will arrange that trade!

 

[Lacy Blues]

Mine are nowhere near ready to share. I only started with them a couple of years ago. The only bantam andalusians I've seen that were worth anything were over in Scotland. Those that are here in the United States have little to no lacing and you can see the Old English Game Bantam influence in them as they were used to get the size down.

I started with some small Andalusians and some bantam leghorns that obviously had the OEGB in them as well. I know this is going to be a long road.

 

[BlueDognChicks]

I may only have splash or black cockerels in my batch o birds. What criteria can I use to assess their quality for breeding, since blue colour and lacing are not a factor?

 

[Lacy Blues]

If you're trying to breed to the Standard of Perfection, you will simply be breeding for type. However, some coloring and lacing can be evaluated. Any red or yellow feathers (and I'm talking about single feathers) can be pulled and the bird watched to see if they regrow. You'll need to make notes somewhere and remember to check. It takes about 6 weeks for the big feathers to grow back in so probably around 4 weeks for a smaller one?

A black bird, when it is grown, can be taken out in strong sunlight and then evaluated for strength of lacing. It will show up. A splash bird will hopefully have some faint lacing around the edge of its feathers.

Depending on where you got your birds, you may or may not have well laced birds in your possession. It's up to you whether you want to struggle along and try to improve them. In fact, it's probably a good idea to try. That way you find out what your level of commitment is and if you haven't had chickens before, you can learn what you need to during this time regarding their needs and care. If you want to be a breeder, you need to be able to kill birds... at least it will feed your family.

 

[sianpugh]

I agree with LacyBlues - but would add another couple of things....Five point combs are difficult with this breed - if one of your roos has a five point comb, that's a plus. I've seen 6,7, and 8 point combs - not good.

And, this will be easier with your splash probably, see if the lacing extends down their leg feathers - that's also a plus. If you have any brown feathers in the black roo, don't go there.

Good luck!

 

[Malibu99]

I got a Blue Andalusian yesterday but she's from a hatchery... Do I still qualify for this thread? LOL