Are Bantam Cochins a healty breed?

[Georgia Nana]

I have been trying to start a quality Silkie flock, and have had nothing but heartache with the breed. I am thinking of adding Cochins to my little operation, but do Not want another breed that is delicate. Your input would be appreciated!

 

[mindylee]

I have bantam silkies Cochin's and chocolate English orphingtons in my coop and my numbers are around 100.
13 silkies
4 chocolates
And rest are Cochin's (smooth & frizzled)

I'm in Michigan and all are doing well even in this past bad winter.

 

[Michael OShay]

I'm not sure what went wrong with your Silkies. We used to have some Black Silkies and never had health problems with them. As for Cochin Bantams, My wife and I had some around 35 years ago (your getting a little clue to our age) and we never had health problems with them.

 

[Sonoran Silkies]

What kind of problems did you have with your silkies? I've been breeding silkies for over a dozen years and have not had any significant health issues. Without knowing more, I would suspect that either the birds you purchased had some issue local to the breeder or that your overall care was lacking in some manner.

 

[Georgia Nana]

Thanks for all your input. I have a bird at the state poultry lab right now to see if they can determine the cause of death. I justified each death in some way until (duh!) the lightbulb went on and I saw that there was a pattern. Hindsight is 20/20! No symptoms, just general wasting away. My birds are wormed, treated for coccidia, lice and mite free, feed Purina flight conditioner with BOSS, given vitamins and probiotics in their water. They are in covered pens with safe, dry houses. I wish that I had something that I could think of to help this situation, but I have run out of options. As for breeder genetics...maybe. I am still investigating that. Thank you again for your input as my heart continues to break for these beautiful birds!

 

[enola]

What did you use to worm them?

 

[Georgia Nana]

Safeguard

 

[enola]

Good choice

 

[Michael OShay]

I hope the state poultry lab can determine the cause of your bird's death and it can be corrected in the future. Good luck with your next flock.

 

[claudiab]

When do you expect an answer from the State Poultry Lab?