Recommendations for new chickens

[LorahS]

Hello everyone! I have 2 sweet lap loving Cochin pullers, who are very docile. I am planning on adding 2 more chickens in the next few months. I was looking for recommendations for what breeds mix well with Cochins. I’ve considered Australorps, Salmon Faverolles, Easter Eggers, and Dorkings. For those who have Cochins, what breeds blended best? Thanks!!!

 

[Weeg]

I don't own Cochins, but I do know that Buff Orpingtons, Silkies, SLW, all get along pretty nicely. At least in my flock. I hope others can help out!

 

[aart]

For those who have Cochins, what breeds blended best?

I have had some cochin mixes in the past....
but breed really doesn't matter much.
The existing birds will not likely be happy to have any new birds 'invade' their territory.

Before getting more birds ensure yo have the space needed for an easier integration.
Will you get day old chicks from a hatchery/farm store or older birds from craigslist, etc?

If older birds.....
Consider biological/medical quarantine:
BYC Medical Quarantine Article

Here's some tips about.....
Integration Basics:
It's all about territory and resources(space/food/water).
Existing birds will almost always attack new ones to defend their resources.
Understanding chicken behaviors is essential to integrating new birds into your flock.

Confine new birds within sight but physically segregated from older/existing birds for several weeks, so they can see and get used to each other but not physically interact.

In adjacent runs, spread scratch grains along the dividing mesh, best if mesh is just big enough for birds to stick their head thru, so they get used to eating together.

The more space, the better. Birds will peck to establish dominance, the pecked bird needs space to get away. As long as there's no copious blood drawn and/or new bird is not trapped/pinned down and beaten unmercilessly, let them work it out. Every time you interfere or remove new birds, they'll have to start the pecking order thing all over again.

Multiple feed/water stations. Dominance issues are most often carried out over sustenance, more stations lessens the frequency of that issue.

Places for the new birds to hide 'out of line of sight'(but not a dead end trap) and/or up and away from any bully birds. Roosts, pallets or boards leaned up against walls or up on concrete blocks, old chairs tables, branches, logs, stumps out in the run can really help. Lots of diversion and places to 'hide' instead of bare wide open run.
Good ideas for hiding places:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/a-cluttered-run.1323792/

 

[SulkyBantam]

SILKIES! POLISH!

 

[Alaskan]

Hello everyone! I have 2 sweet lap loving Cochin pullers, who are very docile. I am planning on adding 2 more chickens in the next few months. I was looking for recommendations for what breeds mix well with Cochins. I’ve considered Australorps, Salmon Faverolles, Easter Eggers, and Dorkings. For those who have Cochins, what breeds blended best? Thanks!!!

Of your list, Faverolles are the most mellow, second choice Dorkings.

You could also get more Cochins, but in a different color, they come in so many colors.

 

[deidreg]

I love my Salmon Faverolles. Sweet, funny, and floofy. Note they'll likely be at the bottom of the pecking order.

 

[LorahS]

I love my Salmon Faverolles. Sweet, funny, and floofy. Note they'll likely be at the bottom of the pecking order.

I’m leaning towards 2 faverolles...my Cochins are pretty chill and sweet. Hoping it will be a good fit.

 

[TheTexasChickenGirl]

I had Favorelles with my Partridge Cochin, she was sassy with them and they were always at the bottom. I currently have a Cuckoo Maran and they get along fine, except for the occasional scuffle or two!

 

[LorahS]

I had Favorelles with my Partridge Cochin, she was sassy with them and they were always at the bottom. I currently have a Cuckoo Maran and they get along fine, except for the occasional scuffle or two!

What breeds did your Cochin get along best with?

 

[leia_and_friends]

My Faverolles girl is the sweetest thing... except for at 6:00 in the morning when she decides life is not revolving around her enough. I have to run out in my pyjamas, give her a severe talking to, and then if she doesn't shut up (which is 99% of the time) she goes in The Box for a while. But then she'll hop out and snuggle on my lap like a salmon coloured marshmallow... definitely a love-hate relationship here!