Cochin?

[theona]

do Cochin's get bullied a lot?

 

[rhodiegal]

We have two frizzle Cochin bantams. They were slower to develop than the other bantams and are easier to catch. The hen is lowest on the pecking order, but the rooster is about in the middle. They both seem more laid back than the Japanese and D'uccle's they share a pen with. This is the only experience I have ever had with the Cochin breed.

 

[sfw2]

When I still had my RIR rooster, my Black Cochin pullets were afraid to come out of the coop. The only time they were outside was when I cleaned, and they would spend the whole time looking for somewhere to hide. Even the White Leghorn, half their size, would tell them what to do. Now that Denny, the RIR, is gone, leaving my EE roo in charge, they are out and about all the time, and the other hens seem to leave them alone.

 

[kipper]

Very sweet, submissive birds. We have 3 Giant Blue Cochins in a pen separate from the rest of the flock (they are younger, bought them for a "giant breed" flock).

Our lowest pullet on the pecking order in the regular flock, an EE, was getting picked on, kept from food, and treated really badly by the other birds. We put her in with the 3 Cochins. One by one they came at her trying for top bird honors, she chased each one away. They only tried once as far as we know. The EE, who is about half their size and REALLY submissive, is head pullet.

I think they would get beat up with our regular flock. Excellent birds, though, laying well, and really quiet (even while laying). They would make excellent hens for an urban setting because of this. They would also be a good choice for families with small children.

 

[theona]

what should i do?

 

[kipper]

Good question. We love our Cochins. They are so sweet. Every night my husband has to pick one of them up and put them in their house. He's outside doing this as I write this. He use to have to do this with all of them. They really like to be pet and love attention. I don't think you could find nicer birds.

If you have a flock you are adding them to, you know what they're like. I think all you can do is take your best guess on how it would go. I say buy the chickens you want!!!