Cochin Qualities

Cochins eat just about anything and suffer from the resultant obesity. Their large size, full plumage and heat-producing appetites equips them for the cold weather. Cochins only lay an average of two, medium brown eggs per week or 120 per annum. Cochins seldom fly or wander and forage little. Overall, the breed produces poorly in every category. They lay few eggs, mature slowly as a meat fowl, and succumb to metabolism, heart, liver, and fertility disease. However, what they lack in production, they make up in personality.

Cochin Temperament

Cochin owners describe their breed as peaceful, friendly, quiet, and easily handled. They seemingly like confinement and make themselves comfortable in any environment. Good pets, the Cochin do well in a backyard. They seldom cackle even when laying. The hens make great mothers. Breeders have even seen Cochin roosters feed and warm the chicks. Cochins have a submissive demeanor with all. Owners seldom choose Cochins for their production qualities. However, if one wants a chicken to love, choose a Cochin.

Cochin Appearance

Like a rabbit in the chicken world Cochin have the appearance of a big, fluffy ball of fur or rather feathers. Thick, downy feathers cover even their legs and feet. Cochin come in many colors: Black, Buff, Partridge, White, Barred, Brown Red, Golden Laced, Mottled, Silver Laced, Birchen, Blue, Columbian, and Red. The cock weighs eleven pounds. Hens typically weigh nine. The Cochin rooster has a medium-size, single comb with the usual five points but an unusually long third point. Hens have a very small single comb that follows the curve of their heads. Both the rooster and hen have long red wattles with matching oblong earlobes.

Cochin Upkeep

The feathers which make the Cochin so attractive also present several problems. Leg and foot feathering of the Cochin can cause mud balls which lead to frostbite or fungus. Confine them on wet days. Inspect your chickens often. Their feathers can hide small scrapes which easily succumb to infection in the moist environment of their downy feathers. The Cochin's dense feathers can inhibit reproduction. Breeders either clip vent feathers or resort to artificial insemination. Finally, their plumage can lead to overheating. Keep your Cochins in temperatures below ninety degrees Fahrenheit. Monitor your Cochin's feed and provide abundant greens to prevent obesity with its associated diseases.