@Wendy High the lighting for your photographs is very good! The best way to get good at something is to keep doing it (and let us see all those little chickies along the way!)
Apparently they have a reputation for being poor layers, but I'm afraid I have no clue whether or not they're good in larger flocks... One review said they can be bullies to younger chickens in the flock, but they are very adaptable to new flocks as well. Some cochin owners said their hens laid...
Oh my goodness this is my favorite thread I come here whenever I'm not in the best of moods and it cheers me up immediately. I love all your little featherbabies I want to cuddle them and give them itty bitty eskimo kisses on their tiny beaks they're so small