Exhibition Cochin Feeding Regimen

[EmilyRobb]

I was recently reading about prepping birds for show and I had read that you're supposed to feed wyandottes by throwing feed into some straw or a similar medium so that they can stay fit by having to scavenge for their food. Is there any feeding regimen that exists for exhibition cochins to follow?

 

[Willawong Hill]

I think with cochins you have to be careful as straw can break the feathers around the feet so I've heard you're better with wood shavings, I don't show myself though so hopefully someone with more experience can give you better advice.

 

[Bo Garrett]

You don't want them scratching around as this will break the feathers on the toes and feet. You'll want to keep them on deep pine shavings and clean the pens regularly to keep the build-up on feces on the foot feathers. While they are growing and feathering they'll need an 18% protein feed ration, after the feathers have hardened you can feed some grain along with it to keep the feces firm so it doesn't cake up the vent feathers. Treating for coccidiosis, worms and mites is critical and must be done at regular intervals, a poorly conditioned fowl will not place well under a judge who knows what he/she is doing.
I've been breeding and showing cochins for 20+ years and they are not for the faint hearted, they are tough to keep in condition and slow to grow and mature; a bird that looks like a cull at 6 months could be a multiple show champion at 3 years of age.
In the end, it comes down to what actually works for you and your program. Take the good advice and throw out the rest; don't mistake honest comments on your birds for rudeness, true breeders will tell you what you have and how to correct it if necessary.

Blessings,

Bo