Andalusians

The Andalusian (fig. 25) is one of the prettiest fowls of the feathered race, being of a beautiful light and dark-blue plumage. It is called the Blue Andalusian, and is the only variety of its class. It is not as popular in this country as it should be, owing to the sentiment against white skin and blue shanks.  English and French poultrymen prefer these qualities in a bird and with them it is very popular.

Functionality

They are nonsitters and splendid layers of large white eggs, averaging in size those of the Minorca. Specimens of their eggs have been seen in competition and the award of merit bestowed for size and weight.

The chicks are hardy, mature early, and pullets being laying when five or six months old.

For farm purposes they are of the same class as the Leghorn and Minorca, the preference being only in the color of their plumage. For fancy purposes they are an ideal bird on account of their beauty.

Description

Their general descriptions are those of the Leghorn. In color the hackle and saddle feathers are dark blue, approaching black; breast, a lighter shade of blue, each feather having a well-defined lacing of a darker shade; body and fluff, similar in color to breast, but somewhat darker shade; body and fluff, similar in color to breast, but somewhat darker; primaries, light blue; secondaries and wing coverts, dark blue; wing bows, darker blue, approaching black; tail and sickle feathers, dark blue, approaching black; shanks and toes, slaty-blue.

Characteristics

No standard weight is given for Andalusians; their average size is that of the Leghorn.