Cochin Thread!!!

[jaymeellis06]

That hen looks like my grumpy old grandma. She's just needs a cigarette hanging from her mouth. Lol

This made me LOL.

 

[mindylee]

I understand, but I think it's an acquired taste. I love the look, particularly that wide skull and heavy brow.

I have a grumpy looking LF splash hen that was given to me as a retired breeder hen. She limps due to being stepped on by a horse. And when the owner sold out she asked if I would give her a good home. So I agreed. She is my only large fowl as everything is bantam. I call her Big Momma as she is huge. But she has a big brod head and a grumpy look. I will get a pic of her today to see what ya think.

 

[flockofbantams]

That hen looks like my grumpy old grandma. She's just needs a cigarette hanging from her mouth. Lol

I personally hate the grumpy look. I went to a show and I looked at the Cochin's and a lot looked like that. If it is standards... Now it makes sence but before just now, they looked sick to me. They didn't have red waddles or combs either... More orangish red color.
I like the wide eye petite heads.

AGREED! I'm glad my beautiful girls don't have that head! I love the look and friendliness of my pet quality Cochins!

 

[Wildivy2112]

Hi. My pullets are closing in on 15 wks old. What are some signs that egg laying is eminent? We want some eggs! lOL thanks for any help.

 

[sharron]

AGREED! I'm glad my beautiful girls don't have that head! I love the look and friendliness of my pet quality Cochins!

.agreed, if they want that head why not just go to the brahma's, the brahma people already don't want the cochins in their bloodlines

 

[Black Cochin Bantams]

I hope I don't get in trouble, but this Black hen has one of the best LF Cochin heads to date. She is bred and owned by breeder/exhibitor/judge Robert Anderson of Oregon.

Absolutely wonderful Large Fowl head.. This particular line of Blacks has remained pure with no outcrosses for over4 decades. Bantam heads are more petite. All Cochin beaks should be short and stout whether Bantam or Large fowl.

 

[ShadyGroveFarm1]

@beachbabies . I know its hard when you lose a chicken. But trying to replace it and act to a young child like it never happened is not good. If your daughter is really little she'll get over it sometime, and if she is old enough to understand complicated things, it would be a good time to explain everything about how other things have to eat to and all that.

 

[Black Cochin Bantams]

Hi. My pullets are closing in on 15 wks old. What are some signs that egg laying is eminent? We want some eggs! lOL thanks for any help.

I have had bantams lay as early as 5 months old but usually closer to 7 months and up for mine. If Large forwl it will generally be over 6 months of age.

 

[Black Cochin Bantams]

Heads of excellent Bantams hens.

A good Black Bantam Cochin head.

 

[Black Cochin Bantams]

A lot of people sell "Show quality " birds, the problem is that they just are not good quality. Same thing happens here, it seem that every single person selling chickens here advertises them as Show Quality. The sad fact is that hardly any of them ever are.

Buy from a reputable breeder, go to a show and have a look, do some homework and then make an informed decision. If you are embarking on a tough project you will need other contacts breeding the same birds, to swap ideas and honest information.

Sure you can find a SQ bird at a hatchery, but that will be one out of a thousand i would bet.

Start with someone known to breed a specific variety, more then likely they will be happy to answer questions and follow up with you if you need additional help. People into specific breeds and colours tend to know a lot about them and are passionate about them. Much more so then a hatchery would be. Read the SOP and know it well before purchasing anything, know the history of the birds and the generations that produced them.

Having said all of that the decision is ultimately yours, but if you are planning on showing, then purchasing hatchery stock will set you back a good few decades.

Couldn't agree more. Well said.

Reputable breeders are the way to go if you want birds of quality.

If you want yard birds and pets hatchery are just fine. Hatchery birds are just not good enough to do well at a poultry show against real competition.