Andalusian chicken has its origin in Great Britain since it was the English that introduced them to Spain. They arrived in Spain through Gibraltar and El Port of Santa Maria. These hens are typical of the Cadiz, Seville and Malaga areas. At the end of the 20th century, a group of Andalusian amateurs worked on the selection and standardization of the type of Andalusian hen.
This species had been bred since ancient times in the farmhouses of southern Andalusia. They were very colorful plumage chickens and a great diversity of colors. After the selection and fixation of the different colors, it was considered that that group of hens had reached the denomination of Andalusian. It is currently in the process of official recognition.
Characteristic of Andalusian Chicken
Andalusian chicken is a breed of Mediterranean bearing. Although its size and weight are slightly higher than those of most of these races. This breed of Andalusian hen has different variants and will be differentiated, above all, by the color and quality of its plumage. Well proportioned and rustic bird.
The meat of excellent flavor. The Andalusian hen will provide us with large eggs of white color, and weigh between 65 g. or more. Having a fairly good annual average, which is around 150 to 200 eggs per year. The rooster weighs between 3.5 and 3.8 kg. While the chicken weighs 2.5 to 2.7 kg.
Keep in mind that roosters weigh a little more than chickens. They are animals that preserve many characteristics of the primitive race. The fact that gives them an amazing resistance to diseases. This causes them to have few handling and breeding problems. Presenting very low mortality rates, both the chicks and adult animals.
The Andalusian hen appreciates life in freedom, being a race that will look for food with zeal if it is given the opportunity. In this way, the breeding of Andalusian chicken provides you with an animal with excellent rustic conditions. Which will adapt to the field life with ease?
It is a slow-growing race, which will only reach its full development when it has exceeded one year of age. The fact is more evident in the roosters. However, egg production will start around 6 and 7 months. They are rustic, active hens and little predisposed to incubate.
It is a race more praised for its beauty because they have a blue and gray tone, which makes it different. Although it also has a fairly wide color range. Since it can vary between black, gray, silver, white tones and, even sometimes, with brown tones. You may also like to read Red Shaver Chicken
On the other hand, their feathers are long and tight or close to the body. In addition, these are bright, and in the case of roosters, this has feathers in a kind of ornament. It should also be noted that blue Andalusian chicken is very prominent because they are good layers and do not tend to broody too much.
Food
Andalusian chicken feeding will depend on several important factors, such as the environment and its breeding purpose. This means that, if you are in a natural environment, as on a farm, they can try to find your food, in addition to the one that is given.
In addition, you need protein and other nutrients so they can grow healthy and healthy. Also, if they are going to be used as egg layers. The hens will need supplemental elements that contain calcium and phosphorus. In this way, they can lay eggs of good quality.
If the hen is raised on an open-air farm, it can search for its food by digging for worms and other insects that offer the nutrients they need. You must also supply the feed purchased in a poultry store. This will come prepared according to the needs of the hen.
On the other hand, you can also buy the feed or the seeds separately. This way, the necessary nutrients can be supplied in a much more balanced way. You may also like to read Cochin Chicken.
Usage
Andalusian chicken is a double-purpose breed, farmers produce it for its high egg production. Also, they appreciate the taste of their meat, which is excellent.
Special Features
Because genetic techniques have been using to recover the Andalusian chicken. These tend to present problems related to these genetic defects. Although some are not serious, they have to do more with their appearance than with the quality of eggs and meat.
Although there are cases where chickens cannot survive. But this is more related to some diseases that affect these birds. The ears can be excessively round, causing problems. In addition, more than thirty percent of it may be red. You may also like to read Phoenix Chicken.
In the crest, the appendices can have more than six teeth. Also in the case of males, their crest may have a fold, or even this may be dropped. In the case of the eyes, there may be distortion between the colors. This means that one can be black, while the other can be of another color.
The tail of the rooster has less percentage of inclination on the back. In other words, it’s the squirrel. In the case of the chicken, it can be very populated and have the shape of an ax.
FAQ
What is an Andalusian chicken?
The Andalusian chicken is a unique breed of poultry originating from the region of Spain known as Andalusia. It is an ancient Spanish breed, believed to be more than 2000 years old and one of the oldest domesticated chicken breeds in the world. The barring pattern on its feathers makes this bird easily recognizable, making it a popular choice for show birds and egg production.
Where does the Andalusian chicken come from?
The Andalusian chicken is an old breed with a long and fascinating history. Originally, the exact origin of this breed is unknown; however, its name implies that it may have originated in Andalusia—an autonomous community in southern Spain.
How do I care for an Andalusian chicken?
Caring for an Andalusian chicken is an important responsibility, and it will require a fair bit of work to keep them healthy and happy. First off, you’ll need to make sure that your chickens have enough room to move around in. Ideally, each bird should have at least 3-4 square feet in their coop or pen. Make sure there’s plenty of ventilation as well, so they don’t overheat – Andalusians can be quite sensitive to temperature changes.
Conclusion
If you live in the region of Andalusia, have been thinking about adding chickens to your farm, or just want a new breed for eggs and meat production- then this is the article for you. These beautiful birds are rare outside their native land but come with some interesting characteristics that make them worth considering. We hope this guide has helped you! Good luck on your quest to find a perfect bird for your farm.
As a reference: Wikipedia
