Cochin Thread!!!

[bbosshoss]

Thanks for your very kind words Casey. That pic was taken in jan 1995 or 96 before the poultry congress show. 18 years ago. I'm getting old. Bruce

 

[lilcrow]

one day I will come back. I have been to Florida, California and miami. My favourite place was New York. Something about those dark smokey jazz clubs that really feel great.

odd a 30 year old who listens to big band, swing and jazz from the 20's 30's and 40's, and breeds cochins

I love eccentric folks and it sounds like you fit the bill.

If you make it to the states and need a place to stay, you're welcome here Andy. I don't think there are any jazz clubs around me (rural Ohio), but Cincinnati (50 miles) isn't very far away and I'm sure there are some places there. Also Dayton, which is about 30 miles from me, has some great clubs. The city population is predominantly black and the downtown area has some really great music spots. I've also got some friends there that can turn you on to some great off beat places. The Dayton Oregon District is also a great area with a variety of eateries and young performing artists looking for their break through.

 

[lilcrow]

I picked up some birds from a guy who was giving away all of his chickens and got this buff with them. They hatched her from an egg they got from a friend who is a breeder and claims is show quality. She certainly is very pretty. I put her in my mixed flock but she seems to be at the bottom of the pecking order and is having a harder time adjusting than the other two new birds I put in there and I'm wondering if I should separate her.

When I introduce new birds to an established flock and put them in a pen or some type of open crate so that the flock can get up close to her and she can interact with them while still being protected. Cochins are so docile that they can easily get picked on and stressed to the point of getting sick. Some people say to just let them work it out, but I don't have the heart to do that to them. Sometimes and not too infrequently they can even be killed by the flock.

 

[lilcrow]

This is my new partridge cochin! Do any of the cochin owners have an idea if this little one is male or female? Thanks

Cute little bird if I were going to guess, I would say that it's a male, based on the way that it is feathering in.

 

[lilcrow]

He is definitely a Cochin mix. Feather feat single comb and fairly good type for a bird of unknown background.

I agree with Craig, he's at the very least a Cochin mix and may even be full Cochin with some confirmation issues. I can't see his feet and legs so well, therefore I can't guess much better than this, but if you've got some better pics of his feet it would help. He is a Birchen pattern.

 

[hens4thehudds]

Cute little bird if I were going to guess, I would say that it's a male, based on the way that it is feathering in.

Thanks, he/she actually is ahead in feathering in of the ameraucana's that are its hatch mates. I am hoping it is a girl, otherwise I have to re home him Its early, so I appreciate the guess

 

[lilcrow]

Thanks, he/she actually is ahead in feathering in of the ameraucana's that are its hatch mates. I am hoping it is a girl, otherwise I have to re home him Its early, so I appreciate the guess

I don't know whether you can compare the two different varieties or not, I kind of doubt it. Bantams feather in and mature much more quickly than the LF breeds. Look at it's back, between where the wings fold up and see how it is feathering down the center of the back. If there are feathers there that are about the same length as the wings and the rest of the body, it is most likely a pullet, if there is mostly down, it is probably a cockerel.

 

[Darkfeather]

When I introduce new birds to an established flock and put them in a pen or some type of open crate so that the flock can get up close to her and she can interact with them while still being protected. Cochins are so docile that they can easily get picked on and stressed to the point of getting sick. Some people say to just let them work it out, but I don't have the heart to do that to them. Sometimes and not too infrequently they can even be killed by the flock.

That's a good idea but I don't have anything I can put her in.

 

[hens4thehudds]

I don't know whether you can compare the two different varieties or not, I kind of doubt it. Bantams feather in and mature much more quickly than the LF breeds. Look at it's back, between where the wings fold up and see how it is feathering down the center of the back. If there are feathers there that are about the same length as the wings and the rest of the body, it is most likely a pullet, if there is mostly down, it is probably a cockerel.

Oh yeah, I do see what you are talking about, is there any other indicators beside crowing that tells you you most likely have a rooster. For example, color or feathers or pattern, I don't have another cochin chick so it is hard to compare comb size. I want to keep an eye out early so that I can re home him if I need to. Thanks again for your input

 

[lilcrow]

Oh yeah, I do see what you are talking about, is there any other indicators beside crowing that tells you you most likely have a rooster. For example, color or feathers or pattern, I don't have another cochin chick so it is hard to compare comb size. I want to keep an eye out early so that I can re home him if I need to. Thanks again for your input

Well, from what I can see of the comb, I would still guess it's a cockerel. To be safe if you really want a pullet, you should wait until you can tell for sure. Believe it or not cockerels start to crow at a VERY young age. It doesn't sound like a true crow, it sounds more like someone is strangling the poor little thing, but if you know what to listen for you may hear it crow at early as 6 wks or so.
I would bet money (small amount) that this is a cockerel. Sorry................I would still hang on for a little while before letting it go.