Is an 'exotic' breed too much for a newbie to handle?

[Oldblue]

Hi all!

We don't have chickens yet. We don't even have a coop. Our family is still in the planning phase. Right now we're trying to decide what breed of chickens we might want to keep because that will determine everything else, like the coop planning, etc.

We were thinking about cochins. (My girls are already in love!) We have pretty short fences on two sides (3.5 ft at the lowest), and I'd want a breed I could let out of the run with supervision, so my girls and I could enjoy them as pets without having them hopping over into our neighbors' yards. But, I'm worried that fluffy feet and butts might be difficult to handle. Plus, they're big. If we should forget about cochins and go with something more often recommended like Easter eggers or orpingtons because they're easier for beginners, that would be good to know.

Considerations:
We live in Denver, so our yard is smallish, but we have room to build a decent-sized coop and run. The weather is hot and dry in summer (but not as hot as some places) and cold in winter (but not as cold as some places). We have short fences. A dog who loves to chase fast things, but is intimidated by big, slow things (she's met mature hens and their stink-eye was enough to put her in her place). We want some eggs, but are in this mostly for chickens that will be gentle and friendly. Would like four hens, ideally.

Thanks in advance for any help!

 

[sourland]

Cochins are great mellow birds. The only potential problem I see is the possible build up of ice/snow on their feet in the winter. If cooped, that would not be a problem.

 

[Oldblue]

Thank you!

We are planning for a pretty big covered run, so I'm hoping they'll have a snow-free space to roam even in winter.

 

[Painted Calls]

There are also bantam Cochins... Which are the best breed ever. I am extremely biased though.

Bantams can get up off the ground though, so a covered run is best. Keep them dry with good ventilation and they'll be happy as clams.

They do go broody a lot though. If that is not something you wish to deal with, they are not for you.

Good luck in your planning!!

 

[keesmom]

If you want pets with eggs as an afterthought Cochins are great. We have both bantam and large fowl. Large fowl are big and fluffy (hatchery birds are not that huge), bantams are definitely tiny and cute. Downside is they are not great layers and several have been annoyingly broody.

Orpingtons are a good, kid-friendly choice. I would also suggest speckled Sussex and Plymouth Rocks (we had whites).

 

[Chickenhappy8708]

Really most breeds are fine, why not get all 3 breeds?

 

[Cinnamon11]

I have 1 (blue) Cochin and I love her she is friendlier than my Easter eggers,cuckoo maran,white leghorn, and barred rock because she can’t run as fast. But if your getting chickens for eggs you might want a different breed or a mixed flock with a couple Cochins instead of all Cochins.

 

[ladybrasa]

Speckled Sussex seem to be a friendly breed, but would probably be able to fly over a 3.5 ft fence. If feathered feet are a concern, go with a fluffy Orpington

 

[Murple]

Alternate option; Barred Plymouth Rocks, they LOOK exotic, but they are extremely easy to care for. Our softest chicken is a barred rock

 

[Sonya9]

Buff Orpingtons and Cochins would be a good mix, both are gentle breeds (best to keep gentle breeds together, and avoid mixing them with more aggressive production layer types).

Chickens really hate walking on the snow so have a plan/space for wintertime.