Bantam cochin lovers, please help!

[dtimms]

I've been offered some bantam cochins, which of course I think are too cute. I am new to all of this, and am currently mama to 3 5-7 week old chicks. I would bring home the cochins in about 2 weeks (breeder likes to keep them till then), when big chicks are 7-9 weeks old. I would probably keep the bantams inside for a few more weeks.

Can I mix in a younger, smaller bantam cochin with my existing flock this fall or will the bigger birds attack because they are new and smaller? Can I mix in just one, or would I need multiple bantams?

What kind of laying could I expect from this breed, and how big are the eggs?

Also, how cold hardy are these guys? CT winters and pretty cold. Do they need maintenance on their foot feathers, especially if it's icy???

Thanks for the opinions!!!!

 

[dixiechick]

I have bantam cochins and LOVE them. We don't have any standards, so I don't know the answer to that one. But they do well in winter (I hear) because of their full plumage and feathered footing. No special care for their feathered feet.

It has been my experience with cochin bantams that they are very easy going so I am not sure how they would react or be reacted to being mixed with the group. I do have a mix of other bantams with my cochins (showgirls and rosecombs) and they all get along nicely.

 

[Chickenaddict]

Quote:
It is always better to bring in more then one bird when adding to the flock that way just the one won't be singled out. I'd get at least 3,4,5 or more

I have a few cochins around here and just love them as well, they lay quite well. Most of my girls lay everyday. Mine are also in with other bantams and get along great. The eggs are a pretty decent size once the birds reach about 1 year old, MIne start laying at 5 months old. The eggs are quite tiny when they begin to lay but gradually get bigger as the hens mature.

Cold hardy is an understatement, the only concern I had with my flock was the roosters combs getting frost bitten, nothing a lil vasoline won't cure. I am from the frozen tundra called minnesnowta home of 10,000 frozen lakes so if they survived a bone chilling winter like we had last year when the temps were -40 for awhile I don't think you will have a problem.

As far as their feet go they don't need any special grooming but I would check them often as they are prone to get scaly leg mites and because of the feathers on their feet they can be difficult to spot. You will be very pleased with them I guarentee it

 

[Camelot Farms]

I occasionally allow my bantam cochins to free range with my standard birds and there is usually a few moments of picking but it ends quickly and without damage to any birds.

My cochin hens lay nearly every day and the eggs are the perfect size for my 8 yr olds breakfast

I say....go get those cochins...as many as they'll give ya!

 

[dtimms]

Thanks so much for your thoughts! They do sounds great....

Anyone out there that mixes standard chickens and bantams in one small coop? I've got a Catawba chicken tractor so unfortunately they will need to peacefully coexist...

 

[rhodiegal]

Yes - I have mixed standard with bantam - and the bantams came later. I think the most important thing is what chickenaddict said - be sure to introduce more than one at a time. If you do not, one lone bird may get singled out and picked on - sometimes relentlessly. I have noticed that it throws the existing older chickens off when you suddenly introduce several at a time - they get confused.

I once introduced a lone silkie to a flock of standard (Barred Rocks). They were brutal - to the point where she would play dead to protect herself. I ended up having to take her out. Well, later on I found a Tyson chicken on the side of the road. When I introduced her she became the head queen due to her size. I then put the silkie back in and she would hide under the huge Tyson chicken who would defend her from the Barred Rocks. Now, the Tyson chicken has passed away and she does fine with the standards.

 

[dtimms]

Hmmm... I sounds like there are only 2 left, so perhaps I should wait until I could get a larger quantity. I am also considering just getting a full sized cochin next spring (along with the araucana and buff orpington that I just MUST have) instead of trying to mix and match bantams/standards. Just seems like *such* a good opportunity, and admittedly I have trouble passing up these kinds of things....

Thanks for the advice everyone!!