Mille Cochin Info

[apc]

Could someone post an "ideal" picture of a roo and hen. Id like to know what to look for

and what to avoid. Any tips for a newbie?

 

[Shannonmeans]

Ok guys I finally did it. I ordered some mfc eggs. They should be here tommorrow. I am so excited. The people I bought them from said the foundation for their stock came from Josh Singleton of Utah. I am getting some more eggs this fall from Bantyman who was the breeder of Trouble that Nancy had and sold. I am going to cross these two lines and blend in some from Lynne's lines hopefully that I am going to try to pick up from Nancy. If I fail to get some adults from Nancy I will order some eggs from her or Lynn. At least that is my plan. You know the best laid plans of mice and men...... Wish me luck!

 

[WestKnollAmy]

The hardest part of working on the MFC project is trying to find homes for all the ones that just do not turn out to be what you need for the project.
I have sold many in pairs or even individuals but still have an awful lot that I just can't use. So many people come to the farm and want to buy my "rejects" until they see what I am keeping and working with. They just don't seem to understand it takes a lot of work to get what I have and I let them know that with the birds they get from me they can work on the project themselves. Why is it they don't want to do that? The ones that want my pretty birds also don't want to pay the price for what I have worked so hard to achieve and I am still in the beginning stages. If they want to buy a bird that I want to keep it will cost a pretty penny but doesn't seem to be worth it to them.

I actually enjoy building up from not so well patterned birds. I show people the two trios I started with and what I have gotten and they are amazed. It takes a lot of work, breeding and selling to get anywhere. I don't have the pens or the money to do a lot of it anymore but I hope to keep working at it some.
It just frustrates me to try and place the birds with no patterns. They are nice back yard pets but when people see the pretty MF pattern on the others they can't get past that.

I suppose I should just take them to an auction but I really love the little Cochins and want the best for them. However, I do have a few roos that are getting plump and may wind up in the freezer in a few months. So sad.

Anyhow, I think you all are still doing a great job working with the MF project. With our horrid economy it may take us longer to get where we want to go but I am glad to see so many sticking with it and some new ones coming on board.

 

[Coopa Cabana]

Quote:
Amy, I think most everyone is in the same boat you are in. I think if people are truly serious about wanting to get into MF's, then they should understand the nature of the project, and understand that your birds carry the proper genes. Otherwise, maybe you can sell them as Tri-Colors, or Calicos. And if they have good type, then they are probably great for 4-H'ers wanting to get into showing. But above all else, just emphasize the virtues of Bantam Cochins - great family pets, great around kids, great broodys, and just the most beautiful eye candy!

 

[Shannonmeans]

I do understand how much time and effort goes into this type of project. I also know that I do not have time it takes to do this from scratch. That is why I am trying to buy eggs from reputable breeders who's birds I really admire. Whatever I end up with I will be happy with. I will attempt to breed the best to the best and see where it leads me. I understand it when you say that people want your best but don't want to pay for your time and effort. I have raised horses and dogs for years and you can't sell them for nearly enough to cover raising them even. That's why they call it a labor of love. You'll never get rich but you'll be happy!

 

[LadyinRed]

Quote:
Meet them and take your rejects to a public parking lot so they never see your keepers!

 

[WestKnollAmy]

LOL
What a neat idea! However, I have been stood up so many times and would rather be stood up while being at home rather than in a hot parking lot.

I do push the fact that they are all lovable creatures no matter the color. I just get tired of the questions of why won't I sell my beauties. And when I name my price they get mad at me. I have a tough hide but it seems I get one every weekend that wants the pretty birds for only a few dollars. One of these days I may have enough pretties to sell at a lower price. What scares me is if someone actually does pull out the wad of cash I ask for my best project birds. In this economy I would certainly have to let them go.
Hmmmmm, maybe I will put my foundation trio back in breeding together. Right now the roo is alone and the hens are in with their sons. Options, options.......

 

[Rare Feathers Farm]

I don't let people on my place due to bio security reasons...I always meet in a public place and I always make them pay a non-refundable deposit, first (if possible). That way, if they do stand them up, I keep their $10 for my time/gas money. It's happened twice now.

 

[Rare Feathers Farm]

Quote:
This is NOT my bird--but I just LOVE this rooster!

 

[WestKnollAmy]

Good idea on the deposit.
I like people to come see the birds I have. So often I sell more than what they originally came for, which in turn helps the feed bill.
I don't worry over bio security. If my birds are that puny I don't need them. I am sure the wild birds carry more in here than people would but that is just my opinion. I hope to breed for better immunity. I don't vaccinate and I try to deworm and feed as naturally as possible. I have had problems but again, the wild birds are constantly in the pens and tractors. I love to watch the wild birds migrate through and we have wild turkey now coming around.
To each his own.
But I do love the deposit idea. I have some people that want to send me a deposit before they come so I will hold birds for them. That can be okay if I know exactly what they want but some are just coming to pick out some pretty or sweet birds to add to their flocks. Like right now, I gotta go down to the barn and check on everyone before a family gets here to buy some. They are interested in the bantam Cochins...the black girls and a possible red boy to go with them as backyard pets.