Mille Cochin Info

[Happy Chicken Mama]

Oh I am so glad that everyone's escaped birds are okey dokey!

I think its a good thing to bring up. I know than usually when I think of cochins (large fowl) I think of big fatso lazy bums that couldn't get their substantial backsides up over even a two foot fence..

These little mille's are NOT the same. I have seen ones that are three weeks old climb a three foot wire fence. We were keeping our juveniles in an uncovered temporary run that was about three feet tall while we were outside... but the little buggars could always climb/fly right on out. We spent more time corralling them than doing chores. They didn't even have feathers yet but they could climb!!!!!! It is quite hysterical watching them get a running start and then climb on over... when they are only two 1/2 inches tall.

We let them free range for the most part as long as we are home.

They are so smart and have different needs as far as housing is concerned. But I think that because they are so smart and curious that they need more outside time than other breeds as well.... if that is possible. I know that that doesn’t fit into everyone’s farm ~ big or samll.




Oh that is funny Katie... So Sorry... I'm sure it was our girl that led the way! We know how to raise free thinkers!

 

[BluffCountryShepherdess]

And I thought bantam Cochins would be so easy to contain! My show quality black trio doesn't fly so I can keep them in a three foot high pen with no problem. But these MFC babies! I go into the barn to check on them at night and they're perched on top of the four foot high gates. Looks like I'll have to put up MORE fencing....

 

[WiseChicks]

Quite probably. She is a little stinker, to be sure! Luckily for her, she is also soooooooo sweet and so beautiful, I end up scooping her up and nuzzling her rather than scolding her. She was the highest one up in the oak tree. She must have just flew up from branch to branch, because she was tucked in tight against the trunk in the crook of a branch, and she had to be 25ft up.

 

[chickenlittle32]

Erin...we have pips!!! So far, 2 MFs...oh I am sooo excited...LOL

 

[WestKnollAmy]

Hey, I just grabbed my little buff/MF Cochin out of her pen again. This time I actually saw her fly over the 4 ft fence! None of my bantam Cochins, Silkies or Faverolles ever fly over the fence but this little girl just seems to have a mind of her own. Funny how she found the one spot I have not completely covered.
Little stinker. I think that is what her name will be.

 

[Msbear]

chickenlittle!!! that's wonderful!!

keep a close eye. I will help out the stragglers 12-24 hours after the first pip. Shipping does a number on the air cells so I try and get as many as possible to hatch.. then breed for chick vigor when there aren't so many variables affecting your hatch. Candle tonight or tomorrow morning and, if you see pipped air cells but no pip on the egg, go ahead and tap a steak knife on the bottom of the egg til you break through a small hole. Start working the hole bigger and bigger and drop a few drops of warm water on the membrane... especially if it's dry (white and brittle) Let the eggie go and repeat process every hour or so til the little booger is out. I hope you don't have to do this but I am always so bummed with they die in the shell after making it so far. Now, after doing this with my shipped eggs, I have much better "hatch" rates and all the birds are healthy and strong.

Pm me if you have any questions.

eta: Maybe this advice is a bit strong. When I candle I look for the wacky air cells... the ones stretching down the sides of the egg. These are the troubled ones that sometimes need help. Mark those early so you know which ones to keep an eye on later. 12 hours is a bit early to "rescue" a chick with a normal air cell....

 

[chickenlittle32]

Erin, thanks for the advice..I will keep that in mind!

that they all hatch just fine...I will definitely keep you posted!

 

[WestKnollAmy]

I just love the little chickies.

How many eggs did you set? What color are the parents? Or give me the post # so I can go back and read what I might have missed on this thread about them.
It will be so much fun to watch them grow through this thread. I hope they are all of what you expect and more!

 

[chickenlittle32]

Nadine, I have some MF and Columbian cochin eggs from Erin that are starting to pip! Oh I am so excited about these!!! As soon as the start hatching I will take pics!

 

[WestKnollAmy]

Yes, take pictures! It sure will help newbies to see how they look and develop as they hatch and grow.
I have some chicks that are 2 weeks old. They are gold with white tips. I need to get some photos but always forget the camera when I go down to the barn. I guess I will tie it around my neck so I can remember.