Andalusian Bantam

The Andalusian Bantam is a graceful, slender bird of the Mediterranean type, known for its active and alert posture. They are well-balanced with a long, sloping back and a proud carriage.

• Weight: Roosters typically weigh 1.75 - 2.0 lbs (800-900g), with hens weighing slightly less at 1.5 - 1.75 lbs (700-800g).
• Comb: The breed has a single comb, which should be large and bright red with five or six distinct points. On the rooster, it stands upright, while on the hen, it gracefully droops to one side.
• Earlobes: A key feature is their smooth, white, almond-shaped earlobes.
• Legs and Feet: Their legs are clean and slate-blue in color.
• Temperament: Andalusians are quintessential foragers. They are active, busy, and can be quite noisy. While not typically a docile lap chicken, their curious and industrious nature makes them fascinating to watch in a free-range setting.

True to their Mediterranean heritage, Andalusian Bantams are excellent egg layers. They are highly valued for their consistent production and rarely go broody, making them a very practical choice for those wanting a steady supply of small eggs.

• Egg Production: Hens can lay around 180 large white eggs per year.
• Egg Size & Color: The eggs are a good size for a bantam, averaging 1.4 oz (40g), and are a classic chalk white.
• Broodiness: This is a non-broody breed. Hens will lay consistently through the season without the interruption of wanting to sit on a nest.

Apart from the rooster being larger with more developed hackle and sickle feathers, the most obvious difference is the comb. A mature rooster will have a large, firm, upright single comb. In contrast, the hen's comb is also large but will lop, or fold over, to one side. This 'lopped' comb is a classic characteristic of Mediterranean laying hens and should not be considered a fault.

The Andalusian is a hardy breed that can adapt to various climates. Their active nature and lighter build make them quite heat-tolerant. While they can also handle cold weather, their large single combs are susceptible to frostbite in freezing temperatures. A dry, well-ventilated, and draft-free coop is essential to protect them during harsh winters.

Due to their active and flighty disposition, they are not well-suited for close confinement. They are happiest when allowed to free-range or in a large, secure run where they have ample space to forage and explore.

The Andalusian is famous for its unique slate-blue plumage. While only one color is recognized for exhibition, breeding this color inherently produces two other variants that are crucial to the breed's genetics.

• Blue (Laced): The standard and most desired color. It consists of a medium slate-blue ground color, with each feather edged in a darker, more lustrous lacing. The rooster's hackle and saddle feathers are a rich, lustrous black.
• Black: A solid, glossy black that results from the blue color genetics.
• Splash: A white or off-white ground color with irregular 'splashes' of slate-blue across the plumage.

The Andalusian chicken originates from the Andalusia region of Spain, where it was developed as a local landrace. It was first imported into England in the 1840s and 1850s, where breeders refined the breed and standardized its unique blue-laced coloration. The breed quickly gained popularity for its beauty and productivity and was included in the first American Standard of Perfection in 1874.

The bantam version was created later, likely in the early 20th century in either Great Britain or Germany. Breeders miniaturized the large fowl while carefully preserving its distinct type, active temperament, and, most importantly, its unique blue color genetics.