cochin chickens

10 Amazing Reasons to Raise Cochin Chickens

With a cuddly, fuzzy look and a wacky temperament, the Cochin chicken breed has influenced individuals worldwide to do backyard chicken farming.

This bird isn’t breaking any records when it comes to meat or egg production. It is sure to gain your heart with its lovable little shenanigans.

cochin chickens

A massive chicken with lots of plumes to walk around, this chicken was among the first to sustain the British and American “hen fever” of the middle 19th century. It has lots to provide hobby chicken keepers– however, is it right for you?

In this short article, we’ll get you through whatever you need to learn about Cochin chickens.

Background of the Cochin Chicken

Originally native to Asia, the Cochin chicken was bred with a focus on its huge size and sufficient egg production. It was valued for its fast maturation rate– when raised appropriately, the bird is ready for butchering at 12 weeks.

Left to grow a bit longer, the chicken gives an exceptional 12-pound carcass at sixteen months.

While some individuals think that the Cochin chicken originated from China– and in fact, the initial name of the breed was “Cochin-China,”– others keep that they were shipped from French colonies in Vietnam.

Otherwise associated as a Shanghai bird, the chicken was included in the very first version of the Standard of Excellence in Exhibition Poultry in the United Kingdom as well as the very first Standard of Excellence of the American Poultry Association.

10 Amazing Reasons to Raise Cochin Chickens

Although, the world’s very first Cochin Chicken did not look similar to today’s Cochins. They were taller and less feathered, not almost as stunning and cute as the modern version.

Queen Victoria was the first huge fan of the Cochin chicken. As a chicken lover, the Queen kept a unique cage for her Cochins and influenced the rest of the country– and later on America– to raise these stunning birds.

The first Cochin was an excellent layer. Some of that quality was missed as the bird become more appealing and domesticated.

Attributes like fluffiness and docility were chosen during breeding instead of production, so some of the meat and egg quality decreased as a consequence.

The Appearance of the Cochin Chicken

Cochin chickens were first acknowledged by the British Poultry Standard in 1865 and later on by the American Poultry Association in 1874.

It is categorized as one of the 3 different breeds of Asian chickens, with the others being Brahma and Langshan.

10 Amazing Reasons to Raise Cochin Chickens

Cochin bantams exist in the United States (in other areas, they are recognized as Pekin bantams). The United States acknowledges both bantam and standard-sized breeds.

Cochins are delayed growers and take more years to mature. At their most fully grown maturity, roosters will weigh approximately eleven pounds, and hens can weigh in at around 8 or 9 pounds. Bantams are regularly just 26 to 30 ounces.

Gold Laced Cochin Chickens

In the United States, the following variations are allowed as part of the Cochin breed standard:

Brown
Silver-laced
Gold-laced
Partridge
White
Blue
Black
Buff

In other places, like the United Kingdom, the cuckoo is an approved variation. That is not the case in the United States.

Remarkably, white Cochin chickens are a lot more typical than any other color variations. It can be hard for breeders to produce the right colors and markings, even if you’re attempting to preserve a pure white color.

Usually, breeders need to alter and keep an eye on their Cochins’ diet during molting to preserve the coloring in the plumes.

10 Amazing Reasons to Raise Cochin Chickens

No matter the color, the Cochin will have a thick mass of fluffy feathers covering the bird from beak to toe. Even the toes and legs are entirely feathered. This feathering can give the chicken a look a lot bigger than it is!

A Cochin has a single five-point red comb, as are the ear lobes and wattles. The eyes are golden-yellow, while the beak color can differ depending on the bird. Typically, the smaller the bird is, the lighter the beak is, too.

See also  HOW TO START YOUR BROILER POULTRY FARMING BUSINESS

While you will not see much of the legs and toes, these are both yellow, like the skin. The only part of the bird that is not feathered is the middle toe and the entire inner toe.

Even the tail is entirely feathered (although the tail tends to be rather small in appearance).

10 Amazing Reasons to Raise Cochin Chickens

Cochins are also possibly frizzled, which makes them appear a bit funny and amazed! Frizzle Cochins aren’t approved everywhere– in Europe and Australia, frizzles are considered their own breeds.

The behavior of the Cochin Chicken

The Cochin chicken is usually considered among the very best chicken breeds you can raise for eggs. Not just is it extremely docile. However, it’s calm and rather friendly, too.

It does like being handled, so it’s an excellent alternative for families with little kids.

Cochin hens are some of the most attentive and nurturing mothers. They usually become broody and will handle a motherly role in a flock even if they do not have a chick of their own.

In lots of cases, Cochin chickens will adopt the abandoned chicks of other hens. If allowed the chance, Cochins will hatch several batches of eggs each year.

10 Amazing Reasons to Raise Cochin Chickens

Cochins are so large that they can even be used to hatch ducks and turkeys! They can hatch chicks very early in the year, when it’s still cold, and do a phenomenal task raising the young of other breeds.

These birds are also manageable to tame and will gladly conquer your chicken run or cage. They do not enjoy roaming, however, they are great free rangers because they like eating any sort of food.

They do not scratch a lot compared to other breeds. However, you do not need to worry about them flying off on you, either. Their huge size makes it harder for them to get airborne, so they are easy to contain inside a fence that is just about 2 feet high.

For whatever circumstance, bantam Cochins are not as comfortable and mellow as their full-sized equivalents. Call it Napoleon syndrome or merely overcompensating, however, bantam Cochins tend to be aggressive.

Cochin Chicken Egg & Meat Production

Here is what you need to know about the competence of the Cochin chicken:

Is the Cochin Chicken Good for Eggs?

The Cochin chicken is an excellent breed to consider if you wish to raise chickens for eggs. This bird produces eggs beginning at approximately 5 months old. The eggs are pale brown and typically medium to medium-large in size.

Cochins are noted for being a bit unforeseeable when it comes to their laying.

Some hens just lay throughout specific times of the year while others continue laying throughout the winter season months– some individuals report that this is when their Cochins lay best.

10 Amazing Reasons to Raise Cochin Chickens

This is a sharp contradiction to the hens of other chicken breeds, who frequently stop laying entirely throughout the much shorter days of the year. Cochin chickens are most likely to stop laying during the summer season when it’s hot.

Cochin chickens aren’t the very best when it pertains to their egg production longevity, either. They just produce eggs for about 2 to 3 years.

It is often even less if you use techniques to motivate them to lay year-round, such as putting a synthetic light in the cage.

Typically, Cochin hens begin laying eggs at around 8 to 9 months. These chickens are fairly slow to mature, specifically when you consider that a lot of egg-laying breeds start to produce at 4 to 6 months of age.

Is the Cochin Chicken Good for Meat?

While the Cochin chicken most likely will not be your best option if you are interested in raising chickens for meat, there are some advantages to its meat production. It produces meat that is mainly dark and coarse in texture.

You can slaughter the birds as early as 12 weeks of age. However, they will be rather small. Most of the time, Cochin chickens are raised until they are capons at 12 to 16 months.

White Cochin Chicken
White Cochin Chicken

Considering that the bird’s meat tends to be coarse no matter the age, there is no disadvantage to eating it.

See also  Top Tips for Looking After Your Chickens in 2020

If you wait till your Cochin is a year or a year and a half old to slaughter, you will be rewarded with a great table bird that is around 10 to twelve pounds.

Possible Issues of the Cochin Chicken

Cochin chickens are susceptible to becoming overweight. While they will sometimes forage if they would rather relax and eat what’s straight in front of them if given the opportunity.

They need low roosts and can quickly hurt their legs if wanted to fly or leap tall distances.

To avoid weight problems, you will need to allocate the quantity of food you supply to your birds.

Free-choice feeding is not suggested for these birds, as they will park themselves in front of the feeders and completely stuff themselves.

cochin chicken hen

You might even find that you need to weigh your hens regularly, too, to help keep their health in control.

Cochin chickens are prone to the other concerns that pester backyard flocks of chickens, including lice and mites.

These threats are considerably raised when you consider that the thick plumes of the Cochin can supply lots of concealing areas for these bugs.

Simply ensure you supply a great dust bath area that includes a dosage of diatomaceous earth to keep parasites at bay.

They are also vulnerable to conditions like bumblefoot, which can trigger major injuries and infections. After a heavy rain or snowstorm, you might want to bring your Cochin chickens inside your home for a little TLC.

It’s not unusual for their legs to become caked with mud, so you may want to dislike them in warm water and, after that, dry them completely before letting them back outside.

How to Raise Cochin Chickens

Cochin chickens do not need far more attention than chickens of other breeds. They can quickly withstand cold temperatures once they are full-bodied and mostly feathered.

With that said, you will need to take some steps to assist these birds to prevent direct exposure to the elements. Their plumes are so large and fluffy that they can immediately become dirty.

This can result in significant health issues if you aren’t watchful about keeping them neat and dry. Ensure your Cochins have a warm, comfortable cage to go back to throughout the most miserable days of the winter season.

They do well in small areas, so you do not need to worry about constructing an extra-large cage.

10 Amazing Reasons to Raise Cochin Chickens

Cochin chickens do not need a special diet– they need to be rationed not to get excessive weight. You will need to supply a laying ration throughout the laying season and additional protein throughout the molt.

They might need a bit more protein at this time than other chickens, in fact, because of their thick plumes.

Preferably, you need to keep your Cochin chickens on short grass. This will aid avoid their plumes become being sullied. For whatever reason, these chickens naturally tend to avoid wandering into dense vegetation anyhow.

When raised appropriately with the right quantities of food and water and a relaxing cage to call home, Cochin chickens live for around 5 to 8 years.

Advantages and disadvantages of Raising the Cochin Chicken

Here are a few of the primary advantages and disadvantages of the breed:

Advantages of Raising a Cochin Chicken

Cochin chickens are ideal if you want to hatch your chicks. Not just are the hens inclined to broodiness. However, they are extremely docile even in this setting too.

Even the roosters have been known to sit on eggs– Cochin chickens have some of the finest parental instincts of all other breeds.

10 Amazing Reasons to Raise Cochin Chickens

When it concerns roosters, you will not see a tamer breed, either. Cochin roosters hardly become aggressive and do not fight frequently. They are easy to tame, and lots of people even raise these birds inside their houses.

Cochins do not like to roam, so you do not need to stress them running or succumbing to predators. It would be best if you had a short fence to keep them contained, and they do not mind being raised in confinement, either.

Cochin chickens are enduring with their thick plumes and flourish throughout the coldest days of the winter season. They like to consume and do not have any problems with gaining weight.

See also  10 Amazing Truths About Balut Eggs You Need To Know

10 Amazing Reasons to Raise Cochin Chickens

Cochin chickens are excellent for individuals who show chickens at exhibits and even like chickens for 4H jobs. These birds are tolerant of individuals and take pleasure in being managed.

Plus, their distinct look helps them draw attention no matter where they go!

Disadvantages of Raising Cochin Chickens

The difficulties of raising Cochin chickens are limited, but still worth a mention. If you are using Cochin chickens to brood the eggs of other birds, you’ll need to be a bit mindful about what sort of nesting boxes you have.

If the boxes aren’t spacious enough, your Cochin chicken might be most likely to break the eggs’ thin shells as they move.

Since these chickens are such starved eaters, they do have a propensity towards weight problems. While their eating routines are fantastic because they help them place sufficient weight and keep the temperature to survive the cold weather.

They are inclined to become over-fat and can have liver problems from overeating.

10 Amazing Reasons to Raise Cochin Chickens

Cochin chickens succeed in cold environments. However, they grow rather gradually. This is not troublesome, particularly if you do not need to raise your Cochins for meat.

However, you’ll need to ensure they are feathered out before putting them outdoors. These birds tend to feather out a bit more gradually than birds of other breeds.

On the other hand, it’s crucial to keep in mind that Cochins are not heat tolerant. Their fluffy plumes make it hard for them to stand up to hot temperature levels. The big body size of this bird does not do it any favors, either.

Because of their thick plumes, Cochin chickens aren’t excellent at flying or avoiding predators. They tend to move a bit slower, subjecting them to predation or hazards from other flock-mates on occasion.

10 Amazing Reasons to Raise Cochin Chickens

If you are raising a frizzled Cochin, you’ll have a couple of other difficulties on your hands, too. You can’t breed frizzles to other frizzles, which can trigger irregular feathering or perhaps overall balding.

These birds do not endure the cold as their curled plumes offer bad insulation and security from rainfall.

Frizzle Cochins cannot fly– they can’t even get airborne adequate to get up on their roosts. They are also most likely to be teased by dominant hens in the flock.

cochin rooster

Because of their plumes, you will need to be careful about the conditions in which you raise your Cochin chickens. Muddy coops, in particular, need to be avoided.

Cochins have feathered toes that can quickly end up being damp and sullied. If they do not dry rapidly enough in cold, damp conditions, they can build frostbite.

Is the Cochin Chicken Right For Me?

If you’re considering raising Cochin chickens, you’re in luck. These chickens can be seen at any hatchery.

They are also easily available at most local farm stores. They aren’t the most common chickens you can raise. They aren’t thought to be unique, either.

10 Amazing Reasons to Raise Cochin Chickens

The Cochin isn’t the finest chicken to raise if you are looking for a load of eggs and meat. These birds are best for individuals interested in the ideal backyard pet.

REFERENCES:

  1. Carol Ekarius (2007). Storey’s Illustrated Guide to Poultry Breeds. North Adams, Massachusetts: Storey Publishing. ISBN 9781580176675.
  2. APA Recognized Breeds and Varieties: As of January 1, 2012. American Poultry Association. Archived 4 November 2017.
  3. Breed Classification. Poultry Club of Great Britain. Archived 12 June 2018.
  4. Cochin Chicken The Livestock Conservancy. Archived 3 October 2016.
  5. William Bernhard Tegetmeier (editor) (1865). The Standard of Excellence in Exhibition Poultry, authorized by the Poultry Club. London: Groombridge and Sons, for the Poultry Club.
  6.  Barbara Rischkowsky, D. Pilling (eds.) (2007). List of breeds documented in the Global Databank for Animal Genetic Resources, annex to The State of the World’s Animal Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture. Rome: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. ISBN 9789251057629. Accessed January 2017.
AS SEEN ON

97 thoughts on “10 Amazing Reasons to Raise Cochin Chickens”

  1. I’m really enjoying the theme/design of your website. Do you ever run into
    any web browser compatibility issues? A number of my blog
    visitors have complained about my site not working correctly in Explorer but
    looks great in Firefox. Do you have any advice to help fix this problem?

  2. Does your website have a contact page? I’m having a tough time locating it but, I’d like to shoot you an e-mail. I’ve got some ideas for your blog you might be interested in hearing. Either way, great site and I look forward to seeing it expand over time.

  3. you are really a good webmaster. The website loading speed is incredible. It seems that you’re doing any unique trick. Also, The contents are masterpiece. you have done a excellent job on this topic!

  4. Hello, I do think your website may be having internet browser compatibility problems. Whenever I look at your blog in Safari, it looks fine however when opening in Internet Explorer, it’s got some overlapping issues. I simply wanted to give you a quick heads up! Aside from that, great site!

  5. After looking into a number of the blog articles on your web site, I seriously appreciate your technique of writing a blog. I bookmarked it to my bookmark webpage list and will be checking back soon. Please check out my website too and let me know your opinion.

  6. Hey there! I just wanted to ask if you ever have any trouble with hackers? My last blog (wordpress) was hacked and I ended up losing several weeks of hard work due to no backup. Do you have any methods to protect against hackers?

  7. I have mastered some points through your website post. One other subject I would like to state is that there are numerous games out there designed specially for preschool age kids. They consist of pattern acceptance, colors, wildlife, and styles. These often focus on familiarization in lieu of memorization. This keeps children occupied without sensing like they are studying. Thanks

  8. You could definitely see your skills within the work you write.
    The world hopes for even more passionate writers such as you who are not afraid to mention how they believe.
    At all times follow your heart.

  9. I am extremely impressed with your writing skills and also with the layout on your blog. Is this a paid theme or did you customize it yourself? Either way keep up the excellent quality writing, it is rare to see a nice blog like this one nowadays..

  10. Can I just say what a reduction to seek out someone who really is aware of what theyre talking about on the internet. You undoubtedly know how to bring a problem to light and make it important. More people have to learn this and understand this side of the story. I cant consider youre not more in style because you positively have the gift.

  11. What i do not understood is actually how you are not really a lot more well-favored than you may be right now. You are so intelligent. You recognize therefore considerably on the subject of this matter, produced me in my opinion believe it from so many various angles. Its like men and women are not involved until it is one thing to do with Girl gaga! Your own stuffs excellent. At all times maintain it up!

  12. The right piece of land is almost certain to gain value. There is also the potential for the property to appreciate in value, making it a profitable investment. Let’s take a look at some of the top reasons to invest in land and explore a few key considerations.

  13. What i don’t understood is actually how you’re not actually much more well-liked than you may be right now. You’re very intelligent. You realize therefore considerably relating to this subject, produced me personally consider it from so many varied angles. Its like women and men aren’t fascinated unless it抯 one thing to accomplish with Lady gaga! Your own stuffs nice. Always maintain it up!

  14. I do agree with all of the ideas you’ve presented in your post. They’re very convincing and will definitely work. Still, the posts are very short for beginners. Could you please extend them a bit from next time? Thanks for the post.

  15. Howdy! I could have sworn I’ve been to this blog before but after browsing through some of the post I realized it’s new to me. Nonetheless, I’m definitely delighted I found it and I’ll be book-marking and checking back frequently!

  16. I do not even know how I ended up here, but I thought this post was good. I don’t know who you are but certainly you’re going to a famous blogger if you aren’t already Cheers!

  17. I’ll right away snatch your rss feed as I can’t in finding your e-mail subscription link or newsletter service. Do you’ve any? Please allow me recognize so that I may just subscribe. Thanks.

  18. I do not even know how I ended up here, but I thought this post was good. I don’t know who you are but certainly you’re going to a famous blogger if you aren’t already Cheers!

  19. Howdy! I could have sworn I’ve been to this blog before but after browsing through some of the post I realized it’s new to me. Nonetheless, I’m definitely delighted I found it and I’ll be book-marking and checking back frequently!

  20. I visit each day a few sites and blogs to read content, but this blog offers quality based writing. I like the valuable information you provide in your articles. I’ll bookmark your weblog and check again here frequently. I’m quite certain I will learn lots of new stuff right here! Best of luck for the next!

  21. Wow, awesome weblog layout! How long have you ever been blogging for? you make running a blog glance easy. The full glance of your site is great, let alone the content!!

  22. I visit each day a few sites and blogs to read content, but this blog offers quality based writing. I like the valuable information you provide in your articles. I’ll bookmark your weblog and check again here frequently. I’m quite certain I will learn lots of new stuff right here! Best of luck for the next!

  23. Pingback: Google

  24. A lot of thanks for all of your labor on this website. My mum really likes participating in internet research and it’s really easy to see why. We hear all concerning the dynamic manner you give valuable thoughts by means of this web site and as well as cause response from the others on the matter then our child is truly learning a whole lot. Enjoy the rest of the year. You’re performing a stunning job. blog
    I always use url shortener
    It is very helpful.

  25. In the beginning I was skeptical that I am able to go through a post as long. Your style caught my interest. Your content is always excellent. Great Article Neil. While I did look it up a few months ago, I didn’t leave a comment. However I felt the article was good enough to warrant a mention.

  26. I am really loving the theme/design of your web site. Do you ever run into any browser compatibility problems? A few of my blog readers have complained about my website not working correctly in Explorer but looks great in Chrome. Do you have any tips to help fix this issue?seo service

  27. I think other web-site proprietors should take this web site as an model, very clean and great user friendly style and design, as well as the content. You are an expert in this topic!

  28. This blog is definitely rather handy since I’m at the moment creating an internet floral website – although I am only starting out therefore it’s really fairly small, nothing like this site. Can link to a few of the posts here as they are quite. Thanks much. Zoey Olsen

  29. Thanks for the strategies you are revealing on this weblog. Another thing I would like to say is that getting hold of copies of your credit rating in order to examine accuracy of each and every detail is one first motion you have to conduct in credit restoration. You are looking to freshen your credit profile from detrimental details errors that screw up your credit score.

  30. Pingback: 10 Amazing Facts About Barnevelder Chickens - POULTRY FEED FORMULATION

  31. Whats up very cool website!! Guy .. Beautiful .. Wonderful .. I’ll bookmark your web site and take the feeds also…I am happy to search out so many helpful info right here within the publish, we want develop more strategies in this regard, thank you for sharing. . . . . .

  32. Awsome post and straight to the point. I dont know if this is actually the best place to ask but do you folks have any thoughts on where to employ some professional writers? Thank you 🙂

  33. Hi, Neat post. There is an issue with your website in web explorer, would test this¡K IE still is the market chief and a huge element of folks will pass over your great writing due to this problem.

  34. I really love your blog.. Excellent colors & theme. Did you make this amazing site yourself? Please reply back as I’m trying to create my very own blog and would love to learn where you got this from or just what the theme is named. Many thanks!

  35. The style that you write make it really simple to read. And the template you use, wow. Its a really good combination. And I am wondering what is the name of the design you use?

  36. I’m impressed, I have to admit. Rarely do I come across a blog that’s both educative and interesting, and without a doubt, you have hit the nail on the head. The problem is an issue that not enough people are speaking intelligently about. I am very happy I stumbled across this during my hunt for something regarding this.|

  37. Hmm it looks like your blog ate my first comment (it was super long) so I guess I’ll just sum it up what I had written and say, I’m thoroughly enjoying your blog. I as well am an aspiring blog writer but I’m still new to the whole thing. Do you have any tips for inexperienced blog writers? I’d genuinely appreciate it.|

  38. Appreciating the time and energy you put into your blog and detailed information you offer. It’s great to come across a blog every once in a while that isn’t the same outdated rehashed material. Excellent read! I’ve bookmarked your site and I’m adding your RSS feeds to my Google account.|

  39. This is my second visit to this blog. I am thinking about starting a brand new blog in the same category. Your blog provided me with thoughts to work with. (Dont worry, I wont be copying you :)) You have done a fantastic job.

  40. Sources like the one you mentioned here might be very useful to me! I will submit a link to this web page on my blog. I am positive my visitors will discover that very useful.

  41. I visit each day a few sites and blogs to read content, but this blog offers quality based writing. I like the valuable information you provide in your articles. I’ll bookmark your weblog and check again here frequently. I’m quite certain I will learn lots of new stuff right here! Best of luck for the next!

  42. Howdy! I could have sworn I’ve been to this blog before but after browsing through some of the post I realized it’s new to me. Nonetheless, I’m definitely delighted I found it and I’ll be book-marking and checking back frequently!

  43. Howdy! I could have sworn I’ve been to this blog before but after browsing through some of the post I realized it’s new to me. Nonetheless, I’m definitely delighted I found it and I’ll be book-marking and checking back frequently!

  44. I visit each day a few sites and blogs to read content, but this blog offers quality based writing. I like the valuable information you provide in your articles. I’ll bookmark your weblog and check again here frequently. I’m quite certain I will learn lots of new stuff right here! Best of luck for the next!

  45. Next time I read a blog, I hope that it doesn’t fail me just as much as this one. After all, I know it was my choice to read through, but I truly believed you’d have something useful to say. All I hear is a bunch of moaning about something that you can fix if you weren’t too busy searching for attention.

  46. After I originally commented I seem to have clicked the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and now every time a comment is added I receive four emails with the exact same comment. There has to be an easy method you can remove me from that service? Many thanks!

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top