Foot Feathering

[EmilyRobb]

I acquired some chicks from a breeder nearby recently. They're bantam cochins that I plan to add to my already existing bantam cochin flock. I noticed that the feet of one bird are different from the rest in that it has feathering on all toes. Cochins are only supposed to have feathering on their outer toe and the outside of their middle toe. The first picture is the chick with feathering on all toes, and the second is a normal chick (left for both is inside toe, right is outside). Will feathers come in where there is down If yes, what causes the excessive feather coverage?

.

 

[NatJ]

I noticed that the feet of one bird are different from the rest in that it has feathering on all toes. Cochins are only supposed to have feathering on their outer toe and the outside of their middle toe.

Are they penalized for the extra feathering? Or is it just not required?

If the real goal is to have as many feathers as possible, you may have a very special chick there!

Will feathers come in where there is down

I think so.

If yes, what causes the excessive feather coverage?

Um, genetics? I think there are two (maybe more?) genes that have been identified as causing feathered feet, but that doesn't account for all the variation among breeds--so there are probably more genes, with each other gene likely having a small effect, while all together they can add up to big differences.

 

[EmilyRobb]

@NatJ I figured that it was something genetic but I just didn't really know what. I'm more into the genetics of feather coloration but I don't know about other areas of genetics really. The standard of perfection for cochins states that cochins should only have feathers on the outside of the middle toe and on the outside toe, so I don't necessarily think that more feathers is better in this instance. I'll definitely keep the chick because it's super cute with its little fluff (soon to be feather) pants, but I'm unsure if I should breed it when it becomes old enough in fear of passing down the genetics for extra feathering. Any suggestions?

 

[Tamdog]

I do not normally get the chicks with feathered feet because I have heard you have to make sure they don't get mites and the feathers get caked with mud... but I ended up with one someones daughter had purchased at Tractor Supply and gotten tired of and it has feathered legs and feet. I named Her Groovy because it reminds me of the 70's disco elephant pants we wore. She was eating yogurt the other day and I imagined her saying " Oh yum, this is so groovy."

 

[EmilyRobb]

@Tamdog the breeding of feather-footed fowl is my specialty, especially with cochins. They require a bit more maintenance in comparison to chickens with bare legs, but I think that having chickens with pants and fluffy feet are worth it

 

[Tamdog]

Well then Good to know, when I have questions about Groovy's feathered legs and feet I will know who to ask!

 

[Tamdog]

and I like the term " Feather Footed Fowl." I think I will remember that when I am mad at Groovy. I will call her a " Feather Footed Fowl" right to her face.

 

[EmilyRobb]

@Tamdog It certainly is a memorable term. I'd honestly start up a little breeding farm for show chickens called Feather-Footed Fowl and ONLY raise, well, feather-footed fowl

 

[Tamdog]

I like that - Follow your dreams where ever they take you-

 

[NatJ]

The standard of perfection for cochins states that cochins should only have feathers on the outside of the middle toe and on the outside toe, so I don't necessarily think that more feathers is better in this instance.

"only"?

When I googled for the standard of perfection, I found this:
https://www.cochinsint.com/large-female.html
It says, "middle and outer toes, heavily feathered to ends."
Also, disqualifications includes, "outer toes not feathered to last joint, bare middle toes"

I read it as meaning that two feathered toes are the minimum, but more are fine.

I have no actual experience with them, so my reading may be at fault--but I understood it as meaning "we'd like to have all toes feathered, but that's very hard to achieve, so we'll only make it mandatory for some of the toes."

(And I am aware that standards can be different for large fowl vs. bantams, and in different countries, so I may have looked at the wrong standard.)

If you go to shows, I suppose you could enter this bird (after it's grown) and see whether the judge marks it up or down for the extra feathers.

@NatJ I'm unsure if I should breed it when it becomes old enough in fear of passing down the genetics for extra feathering. Any suggestions?

I would assume it could pass on those genetics--so you could breed it and see, or you could breed to a mate who has not-quite-enough feathering in hopes that it will average out, or you could just not breed it. I'd suggest basing the decision on how good the rest of the bird ends up being--if it's the best bird except for this, then use it; if others are better anyway, then don't use it.