Large Fowl Cochin Thread

[aceschix]

I agree, the perches are way too high, but they were built for other breeds and there is a big ladder going up to them. I recently got a new Cochin hen and roo and they climb the ladder to which ever step they like and sit down. The rest that were raised here sit at the bottom. Sometimes though in this heat they stayed outside and slept in the enclosed run. I guess I'll let them do whatever they want but would like to start a new set of nest boxes and didn't know what to begin with. Nests on the ground will be OK won't they? These birds seem HUGE to me, I don't know how they can lift themselves. BUT they do run around like crazy, jump in the air and play and even fly a short distance, they sure don't look built to fly even an tiny bit. Thanks for the help.

All good points. They are huge, I love it! When my girls run they remind me of ladies from times past in bloomers or puffy petticoats

Welcome to cochins!

One more thing to consider. Even though they climb up and sit, they are unlikely to "climb" down. They jump. Birds this big can hurt themselves jumping from high places. Slipped tendons, dislocations, and things of that nature are things you want to avoid. Lower perches can help.

 

[SonRise Silkies]

Yep, I had forgot about them maybe wanting to jump off the ladder.
I will take the ladder down, it was for the D'Anvers but they prefer to FLY up there anyhow.
I have a trio of BLRW but they probably can perch lower also.
Right now they are all youngsters so running all together, but when any start to lay I will separate them.
Funny how they know which breed they are, they each stay with the others of their own kind, even though they all sleep in same house.
They free range all day and even then they seem to be in groups.
Wish I could post some pics, but my computer won't let me.
Thanks for all the input.

 

[Missyktsm]

First of all he silver laced is gorgeous... I am new to Cochins and my pullets haven't started to lay yet. They all sleep together on the ground, they have perches but like the ground better [do they all do this?] They perches are quite high though, nearly neck high to me, [5ft 6"] My question is...what kind of a nest box do they like??? It would have to be pretty big I am sure. What do some of you use? And do you just put it on the ground? I have big wooden drawer that I filled with hay just in case any of them got the idea to lay an egg. Thanks for any and all help. Hope everyone is having a blessed day, we are cool in OK and lovin it!

I'm new to Cochins as well and I have seven 13 week old chicks. Mine also huddle together on the ground at night. I have noticed though that when I let them out in the mornings, severel are perched on the bar in front of the nesting boxes. So, I'm not sure if they're huddling all night and perching in the morning, or just switching things up. We built our nesting boxes and made them 15x15. I'm hoping they will accommodate these huge chickens. The roost bar in our coop is pretty high too. I'm hoping the bars in front of the nests are going to suffice if they decide not to use the higher one. There are a total of 8 nests in the coop.

 

[Missyktsm]

Is there a particular age at which LF Cochins will start their first molt? I have 13 wk old chicks and in the last couple of days I've noticed a good many feathers in the coop and run.

Also, at what age will a pullet begin using a nesting box? I've also noticed a lot of the nesting material in the coop and two of the nests look like one of the chicks has moved things around and bedded down. From what I've read though, 13 wks is too young for laying eggs...right? Or is it possible to have young layers?

All info is appreciated!

 

[NanaKat]

Quote: nice looking nest boxes. I would suggest that the roost in front of the nest box should have a flat board 1 x 3 or 1 x 4 for the birds to land on before entering the nest.

Also, depending on the heat and humidity, your birds could be starting a molt. My hen yard and area surrounding the barn looks like there was a feather pillow fight. Many of the breeds are starting to molt.

 

[SonRise Silkies]

Well, I went right out and removed my ladder from the perches so the big Cochins wouldn't be tempted to go up and roost. But when I went out that night there was the two newest ones up on the perch. They had to have flown up there!!!
Then I was worried that they would jump off so put the ladder back up again.
[They do this on purpose to keep me on my toes, I'm sure.]
None has looked at the "drawer nest" I gave them but the little D'Anvers have laid two eggs.

I'm thinking of laying a large board across the entire chicken house about 18 inches from the wall and then filling that space with hay or straw and just making a big community nest along the wall. Perhaps should put dividers in it but still be on the floor.
Do you all think this would be OK?
Here is a pic of Opal, she loves to sit in the chair....obviously she can jump that high with no problem, perhaps I need to supply chairs for them all?

And here is Pearl who is too big to fly anywhere, but she sure can "ZOOM" around the yard when she wants too!

I swear the Cochins give me so much joy I am soooo thankful that I have them, and want to thank Nanakat again for such sweet beautiful birds.

 

[SonRise Silkies]

Today for some reason my computer is allowing me to post pics, so I hope you don't mind me doing so.
Here is a couple pics of the two newest ones I have, these are the ones who can fly up to the perch.
They are young and not as heavy as the others.


I hunted everywhere for a LF Cochin rooster and I finally found this pair, I know they are not as good a quality as my others but they are every bit as sweet and friendly, and they make a nice colorful addition to the flock.
The roo even though younger than everyone has taken charge and is the leader and protector of them all.

 

[ChickensAreSweet]

Today for some reason my computer is allowing me to post pics, so I hope you don't mind me doing so.
Here is a couple pics of the two newest ones I have, these are the ones who can fly up to the perch.
They are young and not as heavy as the others.


I hunted everywhere for a LF Cochin rooster and I finally found this pair, I know they are not as good a quality as my others but they are every bit as sweet and friendly, and they make a nice colorful addition to the flock.
The roo even though younger than everyone has taken charge and is the leader and protector of them all.

BTW the link in your signature line takes me to a .com instead of a .net.

Pretty birds!

 

[SonRise Silkies]

Thanks for that headsup.......confusing...when I check it T see in my profile .net and that is correct but when I go to this thread and click on my link under my message it comes up .com ???????
Have no clue how to fix it.
Anyone know?
Thanks, Cheryl

 

[nikkichiki]

I am wanting to start a LF cochin flock and curious if anyone knows where I could get some nice chicks? So far I am leaning toward Cackle hatchery but would much rather find a breeder and am having little luck finding any. Everyone seems hung up on bantams. Any help would be appreciated!