Golden Laced Cochin Roosters

[Ellie]

Well, Bo, tell me how you REALLY feel, lol. I very much appreciate the feedback. I am not really into breeding, but did want to know how my birds from a Fresno breeder fit in the scheme of things.

These poor birds: they had severe Cocci, and one died and then the little one has a consistant sour squishy crop and now the wry tail. Geez, I can see what you breeders go through.

Harvey is such a Love that I cannot cull him. Guess I am not going to be a breeder anytime soon.

Again, thanks for the feedback.

 

[speckledhen]

I can tell you that they would probably be somewhat stunted by the serious cocci they had-it can definitely do a number on their future growth if they come close to death from that and that wasn't your fault-they came to you with it. This breeder needs to do some adjusting in her program in more ways than one, I'm afraid.

Bo didn't pull any punches here, for sure, and he seems to know his Cochins. Any chicks will probably carry the recessive gene for wry tail. If you planned to sell any, that will be an issue. They may not all show wry tail visually since your current GLC hen Lacey probably doesn't carry the gene, but if they have chicks together and you breed them back to their sire, then you'll get more wry tails showing up in the future. At least, that's the way I understand it. I once had a BR rooster hatch from a friend's eggs, and eventually, it became obvious that he had serious wry tail, though none of the birds in the flock he came from were showing it--the two parents were just carrying the gene and those two met up. Had to sell him since I did intend to sell the chicks from him in the future. At first I wasn't sure it was a genetic thing till I read up on it.

 

[Coopa Cabana]

"What do you think as far as "type"? Are they measuring up?"

Ellie, I think when you phrase your question this way, to specifically ask about "type", the well-respected and experienced breeders (such as Bo) will respond honestly, directly, and offer suggestions as to what direction to take as far as improving your flock. They assume that we are asking about "type" because we have plans specifically for breeding or showing, and not just keeping our birds as pets, and they respond accordingly.

I think there is a big difference between "criticism" and a "fair critique", and I believe Bo gave you a fair critique, and his intention is only to help you if you plan on breeding or showing Cochins.

Goodness knows we've all been at the point where you are, so please don't get discouraged. We all have room for improvement in our flocks. And with the parti-colored varieties, everything is twice as difficult. You get good type but bad plummage, or good plummage with bad type. Some days it seems like we're in a never-ending catch-22 and can't catch a break!

Keep working on the type - it should always be your number one priority, as Bo said. And he offered suggestions on how to start breeding some improvement in to your flock.

I know it's hard to visualize exactly what Bo was referring to in his comments - you can see some pics of good Cochins on his website, as well as on the website of BYC member cochinman2005.

I hope you know Bo is only trying to help.

 

[Ellie]

Oh, absolutely, I know Bo was being helpful. I didn't take any offense at all, in fact thanked him for the feedback. It is great that he took the time to explain how my birds can be improved. I went to a lot of trouble to get these birds so yes, it is disappointing but hey, that is the way it goes. If sometime in the futire, I want to breed these great cochins, I need to know what to look for and you nailed it, "type" first, that's why I asked.


So now I know that breeding these GL Cochins unless for myself is not in the cards. Bo, I am trying to get some eggs from a better breeder (Heather Farms) for my Lacey to sit on, she is broody as we speak. If I do get them and they hatch, I'll be sure to post pictures here for more feedback.

It is nice to hear from those who know their stuff no matter what the outcome. That is what this is all about.

Cynthia, yes you are probably right, they were very close to dying with that Cocci and thus the small size.

 

[Ellie]

Maybe this one is better. This is Jane who has 5 little ones following her around. She was hatched last summer. I have two more right now from the same breeder and they are about 8 weeks old.

She is much blacker than this. The sunlight isn't right this morning.

 

[Msbear]

Hi Ellie

I always loved the golden laced. They're among my favorites with their bright plumage and striking pattern. Im sure you'll find a friend in Gail (Coopa) as she is working on the same variety in bantams and, I am sure, has lots of experience to share. Good Luck!!

And, if you're ready for the best, contact Tom Roebuck (cochinman2005) here on BYC. I know he's working on the LF golden laced and they are really coming along. His may not be "ready" yet but, he can certainly point you in the right direction

 

[Ellie]

Thanks, Ms. Bear. Yes, Gail is great and has helped a lot already. I haven't talked to Tom yet but I will try for these eggs from Rare Feather Farms for my hen for now. These eggs are hard to find and I don't like to incubate them. I prefer my mama hens to raise them.

I looked at your site. My but you have beautiful chickens.

 

[Bo Garrett]

Yep, those parti-colored varieties are trouble and that is why they are in trouble. Most don't have the patience to deal with the double breeding to get right colors in both male and female. Tom, Dak, John Barca, Roland Doerr and others are working on the golden laced and making progress and Tom is really getting the type into his birds. I know many on here are not interested in breeding exhibition cochins but when those of us who have been doing so for decades see the word "type" our exhibition tendencies come forth. Ellie, my desire is to have all persons who raise cochins, whether for pleasure or exhibition, to have the best possible birds that represent their breed and variety. I have people that buy birds from me just for yard ornaments because for years they have gotten compliements on these large, round, fluffy birds. John Barca lives in California and would be a good resource for you and probably not too far a drive in Santa Rosa I believe.
Most of all be happy with what you are doing and do it with passion because anything worth doing is worth doing passionately! As final word, get you some liquid Corid Amprolium and give it at the treatment rate to your birds and this will clear up the cocci in your birds very fast.

Blessings to you,


Bo

 

[Ellie]

Thanks, Bo. The Cocci was when I first brought them home. I did indeed use that very medicine and it helped. They had it when I got them... it is a 6 hour drive and I noticed the blood in the cage. Gosh, it was scary.

What did you think of my black cochin?

I do love cochins and will do my best to get good ones. Thanks for the referrals. I will contact them as I can. I do go to San Francisco once a month for work, so could swing over to Santa Rosa.

Thanks again.