Andalusian Qualities

Egg layers, the Andalusian will lay three large, white eggs a week up to 160 a year. The pullets start laying early as five months of age. Hens often make noise prior to laying and will cackle for several minutes after the event. Andalusians often lay eggs far into the winter months. With their close feathered plumage, Andalusians tolerate cold weather well. They will withstand confinement but do best with ample opportunity for foraging. Known as an active breed, they run fast. Andalusians seldom brood. The combination of these characteristics contribute to their predisposition toward feather eating.

Andalusian Temperament

One of the oldest Mediterranean breeds, the Andalusian has an intractable temperament more suitable for experienced chicken farmers. Like most foraging breeds, they thrive on activity and survive by remaining alert. Even though their dark plumage protects them from predators, they usually run when threatened. Noisy, outgoing, and easily bored they need constant diversion and attention. Handled correctly, however, they outproduce most other breeds. Chicken farmers sum up the Andalusian with one word, “flighty.”

Andalusian Appearance

Besides their prodigious egg production Andalusian have a stunning show plumage of dark blue feathers fringed with a black tips. They sport a single red comb with matching long wattles contrasted by brilliant white ear lobes. With their piercing brown eyes and sharp black beak they have a stately bearing in the ring. Andalusians from the same brood can have a black or black mottled plumage. The American Poultry Association (APA) only accepts the bright, black-laced, blue-feathered species in show. Show- quality Andalusians come about rarely and only as a result of genetically monitored breeding.

Andalusian Upkeep

As a cold-hardy breed the Andalusian demand few comforts in the coop. However, outside of the coop they need a large run with ample space for foraging. Researchers have seen feather eating problems among foragers like the Andalusian but have yet to fully understand all the reasons. However, they have formulated suggestions for Andalusian owners which can really help ward off feather eating. Andalusians may eat feathers to replace protein lost in their egg production. Give them extra protein in the form of enhanced chicken feed or supplement their feed with cat food. Chickens eat all the time. Foragers like the Andalusians sometimes eat eat to relieve boredom. Make sure that they have plenty of food, water, greens, and black oil sunflower seeds. Provide diversions e.g. an old log full of bugs for them to chase.