Blue Andalusians as Layers

[CC Lefty]

I'm getting a few BAs in a few weeks to add variety to my flock and some white eggs. Does anyone have experience with these birds? How are they as layers? I've read that they can be active and flighty... any experience?

 

[faykokoWV]

mine are still babies, 8 weeks old, but they are very bold. they are the first in their bunch to investigate a new treat and they are always on the rafters in the roost at night. I've read they are decent layer. So far i think they are beautiful and have good personalities. Of course that could change as they get older

 

[lovemychickies]

I have one bA. She's about four months old and isn't laying yet, but she is VERY pretty. She was raised with other pullets who are quite friendly, but she is quite skittish. She seems very intelligent though.

Have fun!!

 

[new2chix]

My hen is the only one of that breed in my flock. She started off rather flighty, but has calmed down a lot. She can be rather bossy, but lays a large white egg 3-5 times per week (less since it's been hot, more in the spring and early summer). She did not lay until she was about 6 months old, and did not lay in the coldest part of the winter.

 

[gottalovemychickens]

Quote:
They are 8 weeks and in a coop roosting already ???

I was told not to put them in a coop until they were like 15 weeks ???

 

[faykokoWV]

I put them in the coop at 4 weeks and they've done fine so far. I'm not sure what the rules are on it. They're in with three laying hens, 5 teenagers about 4-5 months old and a group of 7 other chicks their own age. The bigger ones occassionally chase the little ones around the run, but they have plenty of hidey holes that the big chickens cant get into. They all roost just fine together.

 

[CC Lefty]

Thanks, all, for the prompt responses and information. Any other experieces would be welcomed!

 

[Eggs4Sale]

Well, Gene Wilder/CC Lefty, I have two BA hens and 2 roos. They are just over 23 weeks old. The hens are free-range and are very flighty. They are definitely not lap chickens! In fact, they free-range because they kept busting out of the chicken yard, so I gave up. They look like roadrunners when they run!

The roosters are locked up with 2 other roosters (one golden campine and one white faced black spanish) and they have ginormous combs. The splash, in particular, has an enormous comb. They are gorgeous roosters, even though I wouldn't call them show quality. Beautiful feathering.

One hen suddenly reddened up and grew a comb and wattles at 4 and a half months. She finally layed an egg, in the mud, a few days ago. I haven't seen another. The other hen is just finally starting to redden a little.

I have many different breeds. The BA hens are the ones that get the nicest comments from my mom for how they look. They're really just gray, but it's the dark lacing that is so striking.