I have noticed that chickens don't really enjoy being stroked. I'll occasionally force myself on some of my particularly beautiful or sweet birds, but it's because "I" want to pet them not because they like it. Usually if the hens allow it, you will notice that they kind of squat down when you go to run your hands over their backs, and the roosters sort of put up with it when you're holding them and run your hand down their back, but that is also for the same reason that the hens permit it. It's a good idea to get your boys accustomed to being handled and stroked if you plan to breed them as you will most likely at some point need to AI them.
I think Cochins are exceptionally sweet and docile as chickens go, but I have to remind myself they are not dogs and don't show affection or receive it in the same way as our best friends. I can't understand why humans (which includes ME) are so darned bent on making all species of animals into lap pets. Maybe it's because we are - or rather I should I say "I" am missing affection elsewhere in my life. I recently obtained a pair of Buff Geese, which I got because they have a reputation for being docile and even tempered. You may know that geese are notorious for being evil dispositioned and generally mean, but these two are anything but that. I constantly feel the urge to pet or stroke them, but of course they want nothing of that. I am trying to satisfy myself with the knowledge that they like me because they will at times follow me around, probably because I frequently have goodies for them, and also they don't hiss at me, they do hiss at the dogs occasionally if they get too close. So as much as I might enjoy having a lap goose or Cochin, I must accept that it's just not in their nature.