I just Got 4 Cochins,now What

[TheTwoRoos]

We went to give our roosters away,and then we ended up with 4 baby Cochins.I do not know anything about this breed.

When I went in there there were a ton of Cochins and other hens and two little roosters,no idea what they were (thinking Cochin as well.)She offered to give us 6 (Along with a baby roo),but I absolutely want nothing to do with another roo that i'll get attached to and just have to give em away.

But I do believe with 4 we got,ones a roo.What are they like?

 

[CascadiaRiver]

All of my cochins are sweethearts <3

 

[wildhorseannie]

I bought Cochins for the sole purpose of hatching future generations for me but they have turned out to be excellent layers, when they are not broody or molting. They are sweet, calm, and adorable with their feathered feet.

 

[TheTwoRoos]

Do tehy get cold very easily?Wanted to take them outside but it's only 50 out...

 

[keesmom]

We went to give our roosters away,and then we ended up with 4 baby Cochins.I do not know anything about this breed.

When I went in there there were a ton of Cochins and other hens and two little roosters,no idea what they were (thinking Cochin as well.)She offered to give us 6 (Along with a baby roo),but I absolutely want nothing to do with another roo that i'll get attached to and just have to give em away.

But I do believe with 4 we got,ones a roo.What are they like?

How old are these chicks? Were they from a sexed hatchery order or did she hatch them? If she hatched them then you will most likely have more cockerels to deal with. Even sexed chicks aren't a guarantee.

We go an oops cockerel last year. He turned into a butthead last Christmas, so he became New Year's Day chili. The hens are nice, although exceedingly broody for hatchery stock.

 

[TheTwoRoos]

8 weeks,i'm probably gonna get 2 more.

 

[chkiror]

I only have one Cochin and she is broody every year. She is a good mother and her chicks always do well. I would have more but I don't like the feathered feet as my set up tends to be too muddy in the winter rain .

 

[EggSighted4Life]

8 weeks,i'm probably gonna get 2 more.

50 degrees is fine for them to go out. Even at way younger. Depending on thing like rain and wind to though. Always provide a huddle box for the young groups.

But I agree you will end up with more cockerels, though you might be able to tell by 8 weeks.

My Cochin is fine, maybe the most gentile. But dumb as a box of rocks and turns circles for days!

Also, we get the same kind of rain a s Portland and I am leaning away from feathered feet as well.

Also, I don't care what that lady says.... it's YOUR flock at risk if you don't quarantine! Not all illness or parasites can be detected in the brief time you are checking them out. They may be carrying something that hasn't manifested yet. And though they came from a brooder, They also came from her flock! How sure is she about biosecurity if she INSISTED that you integrate into your flock right away or didn't quarantine yours from hers? How many other peoples' has she cross contaminated with beside from you?!

Sorry to sound like a buzz kill!

 

[wildhorseannie]

I agree with EggSighted4life. Not only is it a tad reckless to add new birds you know nothing about, but if they are youngsters, your established adult flock will pick on them. Everyone has an opinion, and mine is : 8 weeks is too young to join the flock. Nothing kills a buzz like disease or injured pets.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

I agree with EggSighted4life. Not only is it a tad reckless to add new birds you know nothing about, but if they are youngsters, your established adult flock will pick on them. Everyone has an opinion, and mine is : 8 weeks is too young to join the flock. Nothing kills a buzz like disease or injured pets.

My broods always join my flock around the 8 week mark. But that is after being on the same pasture for many of those weeks with a look but don't touch set up and plenty of hiding spaces with small areas the bigger chickens can't get to.