Andalusian
Egg layerSpain
The Blue Andalusian is a striking slate-blue Mediterranean layer with delicate dark lacing on each feather. True to its Spanish roots it thrives in warm weather, stays busy foraging, and rarely slows down long enough to be picked up.
Eggs per year
150–180
Egg color
White
Egg size
Large
Hen weight
4.5–5.5 lbs
Temperament
Active and independent
Broodiness
Rarely goes broody
Did you know?
Blue Andalusians never breed true — pairing two blue birds gives you only about half blue chicks, with the rest hatching black or splash.
Andalusian egg production
Expect roughly 150–180 white eggs a year from a Andalusian in her prime — about 3 a week, or 13–15 dozen over the course of a year. That's a moderate, steady output rather than a record-setting one. Production naturally dips during the annual molt and the short days of winter, and eases off as a hen ages past her second or third year. Most pullets lay their first egg somewhere between five and eight months old.
Temperament & handling
The Andalusian is generally described as active and independent. They tend to be active, alert foragers that would rather be busy in the run than sitting in your lap, so give them space and things to do.
Climate & care
The Andalusian isn't especially cold-hardy, so in cold-winter regions give it a well-insulated, draft-free coop and take extra care to prevent frostbite. It handles summer heat comfortably too, given shade, cool water, and good airflow.
Broodiness & raising chicks
Andalusianhens rarely go broody, which keeps the eggs coming but means they won't usually raise their own chicks. To hatch, you'll want an incubator — our incubation calculator tracks every step.
Space & feeding
A Andalusian hen is a medium-sized bird at 4.5–5.5 lbs. As a rule of thumb, a small flock of 6 would want around 24 sq ft of coop and 60 sq ft of run, with about 2 nest boxes and 5 ft of roost. Size it to your own flock with the coop size calculator, and estimate the monthly feed bill — and your real cost per egg — with the feed cost calculator.
Is the Andalusian right for you?
A great fit if…
- You keep chickens in a hot climate
- You want to add variety and character to a mixed flock
Think twice if…
- You want the most low-maintenance possible first bird
- You face long, hard winters
- You want the absolute maximum egg output
- You want a lap chicken that loves being handled
Andalusian FAQ
- How many eggs do Andalusian chickens lay?
- A healthy Andalusian hen lays about 150–180 white eggs a year — roughly 3 a week, or 13–15 dozen over a year. Output drops during winter and the annual molt, and eases as a hen ages.
- What color eggs do Andalusians lay?
- Andalusians lay white eggs, large in size.
- How big do Andalusian chickens get?
- A Andalusian hen weighs roughly 4.5–5.5 lbs — a medium-sized bird — with roosters running a little heavier.
- Are Andalusians cold-hardy?
- Not especially. The Andalusian does best in mild or warm climates; in cold-winter regions it needs an insulated, draft-free coop and extra care against frostbite.
- Are Andalusians good for beginners?
- The Andalusian is active and independent and tends to suit keepers with a little experience more than absolute beginners.
- Do Andalusian hens go broody?
- Rarely. Andalusian hens seldom go broody, so they keep laying steadily but won't usually hatch their own chicks.
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