One of the oldest of the Mediterranean breeds, it is related to the black Spanish. Their name comes from Andalusia in Spain. They were originally brought to the UK by a Spanish trader in about 1846, but were then black birds and white birds. It is thought that the blue came from crossing the blacks & whites, and as the science of genetics was not known, the blues were referred to as crossbred. The original comb was smaller than today and the birds large and more game-like. The blue laced birds were selectively bred and corssed with the Minorcan to improve the lacing.

Andalusians are upright, active birds with a long body that is broad at the shoulder with feathers that are close and compact. They have a nicely rounded chest and long wings that are well tucked up. In the cock, the comb is largish and upright with deep serrations; the hen's comb falls to one side but not covering the eye. Ear lobes are white and almond-shaped. Wattles are long.

They can become quite tame with regular handling. The plumage is wonderful when new, but tends to fade in time with sunlight. They are good layers and may produce up to 200 white eggs a year. If they go broody it is usually only once a year and they make good mothers. Chicks can be slow to feather up.

Andalusians come in one colour - blue (laced). The feathers are blue with a black edging except the neck hackles and male's sickles which are very dark, almost black. The cock's hackles are glossy black. Legs are slate (blue-black) or black.

Andalusian cockerel