Recommendations for new chickens

[CarolMc]

I don't know anything about Cochins. My Salmon Faverolle, Mae, is picked on by most of the other girls. She does love her humans though, and she is the closest I have to a lap chicken. She's so fluffy, and soft! My Cuckoo Maran, Louise, seems like she protects the Mae from the others. She is not as human friendly, but all the girls respect her, and I have never seen her be mean. The Cuckoo Maran lays gorgeous dark speckled eggs, my Salmon Faverolle is a pretty peach, but very similar to my Gold Laced Wyandotte and Barred Rock.

 

[3KillerBs]

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.

You've trained her to call you and give her the attention she wants.

If you really don't want to be out there early in the morning to interact with her then you need to stop reinforcing the behavior by ignoring the fuss until you're ready to come out in your own time and on your own terms.

 

[TheTexasChickenGirl]

What breeds did your Cochin get along best with?

I got her when she was a chick and she was definitely the bottom of the pecking order. Eventually we ended up with two, her and the Maran as I said in my original post. They are currently seeing who's the boss so that's why I said they have been fighting a little. I guess I haven't had a lot of variety so I can't say for sure, but judging on how my chickens act with each other, Cochins and Marans can get along.

 

[JedJackson]

Most breeds will be fine with your Cochins. Buy the birds as chicks, and then introduce them when they are feathered out and don't need heat any more. That way the older birds will naturally be dominant, and any changes to the pecking order aren't likely to lead to bullying in the long run because the older birds are established.

Faverolles are good-- they're mellow and pretty good layers. But pick what strikes your fancy, and avoid game breeds and their hybrids, such as Rhode Island reds.

 

[Sycamore Hill Chicks]

BOs

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!!!
All of those would be fine, though I personally love my Buff Orpingtons. Super sweet a nd chill, and mine lay 5-6 eggs a week.

 

[black_cat]

My friends' cochins get on great with her easter egger, barred rock, and buckeye.

 

[black_cat]

My friends' cochins get on great with her easter egger, barred rock, and buckeye.

They tend to steer clear of their australorp and buff orp.

 

[LorahS]

Most breeds will be fine with your Cochins. Buy the birds as chicks, and then introduce them when they are feathered out and don't need heat any more. That way the older birds will naturally be dominant, and any changes to the pecking order aren't likely to lead to bullying in the long run because the older birds are established.

Faverolles are good-- they're mellow and pretty good layers. But pick what strikes your fancy, and avoid game breeds and their hybrids, such as Rhode Island reds.

Thanks Jed. This is good feedback. I was leaning towards the fave rolls, but I’ve been reading about them being a noisier breed. I’m pretty close to my neighbors. Any thoughts on this? I don’t mind chatty, just don’t want loud. Thanks!

 

[JedJackson]

Thanks Jed. This is good feedback. I was leaning towards the fave rolls, but I’ve been reading about them being a noisier breed. I’m pretty close to my neighbors. Any thoughts on this? I don’t mind chatty, just don’t want loud. Thanks!

I would think Faverolles would be one of the quieter breeds, but I've never raised them myself.

What about Brahma bantams? These are, I believe, the largest of bantam breeds, and are good layers.

Or maybe Mille Fleur D'Uccle bantams?

I'm sure somewhere on this website there is a list of quieter breeds. The 'search' button at the top right of the BYC screen would be a good place to start looking.