Cochin Thread!!!

[Lady Bee]

Quote:

That's putting it out there, Craig. Well put and to the point.
Nancy

This thread tends to suffer from a severe and chronic case of "nice". And I include myself among those who have caught the nasty contagion. The only members posting here that seem to be immune are Craig (Black Cochin Bantams), Tom (cochinman2005), and Erin (Msbear).

Here's the problem: If we continue to be "nice", then our birds will continue to be just "nice".

If you want to post pics of your birds with no feedback, that's fine. You might prefer posting your pics on the forum "Pictures and Stories of My Chickens".

But if you want an honest critique, then say so upfront. Post at least two pics of your birds, from the side and from the front. A third picture would be preferable - one straight down looking at the back. Be sure the pics are as close-up and in focus as possible, and make sure that the entire bird is in the picture - from the top of the comb to the bottom of the feet. Give as much information as you have about your bird - don't just say "What do you think?". You will get the best, and fastest, answers if you state whether it is a large fowl or bantam, the age, and the color variety. And tell us what your expectations are from the bird - your breeding program, a show bird, etc. Do you want the type (shape) critiqued, the plumage color/pattern, or both?

And please, if you don't want an honest critique, then don't ask for one!

OK - I'll get off my soapbox for now, and leave you with this little antedote from my weekend: My brother just passed his FAA IA designation (Inspection Authorization). I spent the weekend congratulating him on his A.I.!

Very well said.

 

[Black Cochin Bantams]

Quote:
I did not mean onlya breeder of Brown Red but a breeder of Good Large fowl and bantams. Check it out.

 

[wildwoodcochins]

I had a question to anyone who might be breeding Buff Columbians; this is my first year breeding them and I have some beautiful (I think) little pullets. My question is; most of these pullets have very little black feathering, does anyone know if perhaps, after a molt, do they sometimes show more color? Or maybe as they get older. Or, basically what you see is what you get?
I will picture the pullets and hens they were out of, they all have very nice type and are filling out nicely. They are all about 5 months old now~
I'm brave enough to ask what anyone thinks!

The one and only roo I got from all the chicks:

Mommys:

 

[chickendales]

Quote:
that lovely start
what would u get if u breed then to white columbians

 

[wildwoodcochins]

Quote:
that lovely start
what would u get if u breed then to white columbians

I have no idea! I'm just trying to figure out the best Buff Columbian breeding program I can but am inexperienced in the feather patterns etc. I would love some advice!

 

[chickendales]

Quote:
that lovely start
what would u get if u breed then to white columbians

I have no idea! I'm just trying to figure out the best Buff Columbian breeding program I can but am inexperienced in the feather patterns etc.

i would go get some nice white columbain to breed in to my buffs columbains and then breed those babies back to the buff columbains

 

[shawnadoodlebug]

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I think there vary pretty but I just start breeding them.

 

[Coopa Cabana]

Tom posted this pic back in February - it's a pretty darn good example of what a Buff Columbian hen should look like. At 5 months old, I doubt you are going to see much improvement in their hackles.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?pid=5637152#p5637152

 

[wildwoodcochins]

Quote:
Wow, she's gorgeous~ I guess it's back to the drawing boards for me

I did get another roo a few weeks ago, maybe I'll have better luck with him. He's from Erin, very young still~

And here's a side picture of my little roo, is his coloring considered correct?

 

[Elinor's chicks]

Quote:
where did you get them from they are vary pretty!!!!!!

We got them at the Maryland Chicken Swap this past weekend, the sellers were a young teen boy and his dad who are switching their flock to another breed. I never intended to have an 'ornamental' breed since we are basically into chickens for eggs, but they are very sweet girls. There has been some tail-feather pulling which we are treating, and they seem to be adjusting well to their temporary quarantine pen in our basement. I love their legs and feet, they look like they are wearing those UGG boots that have been so popular.

About when can I expect them to begin laying? They are about 16 weeks, give or take.

Any other information on their care would also be helpful....like once quarantine is over can I just integrate them into the established flock? Can they free range with everyone else? Do their feet need special attention due to the feathers?

I agree - very pretty!!! As for when they will lay.....your guess is as good as anyone's. I've got a pullet that's about 7 months old that hasn't started laying yet, and I've read on the BYC Forum of folks that had to wait 8 or even 10 months to get eggs, but that isn't the norm. I will let the more experienced folks answer your other questions.