Since my less than successful experiences with silkied Ameraucanas, I have stayed away from silkied birds, but this past summer I did a trade and ended up with some silkied Cochin bantams. So far I like them and they seem hardy here. Their show type could be improved, but I can do that. The biggest reason I prefer cochins over silkies is their single combs allow me to sex them much earlier. The only thing that draws me to silkies is their unique feathers, so these silkied cochins could be the best of both. It is a plus that they are still super rare, almost unknown, in the hobby, and you all know how I like to breed the really rare stuff!