Self Blue Banty Cochin Pullet, "Shadow" @ 18 Wks(Now 29 Wks-new pic)..

[megshenhut]

Cyn, certainly you are getting eggs from Shadow now???

 

[speckledhen]

Oh, yes, we are! She was within a month of turning a year old and she started laying. They're about the size of malted milk balls, but she is an excellent layer so far; still my only banty girl, but she holds her own with the big ones.

 

[flyingmonkeypoop]

I have a question for all you lavender cochin owners out there. I am planning on using lavender cochin bantams for a project I am planning and I was wondering if they all have slate legs?

 

[speckledhen]

You, know, Michael, I have no idea. She was just plucked from the assorted bantam bin as a brooder mate for a broody-hatched chick. She's the only lavender I own and the only Cochin, as well as the only bantam.

 

[flyingmonkeypoop]

I have been talking to another BYC member about it and I dont want to let too much out yet, lol. I am thinking about using them for a wyandotte bantam project and I figured since they have similar type it would work but if they have slate legs thats a whole other thing to work out.

 

[LilPeeps]

I believe the standard for self blue in most if not all breeds calls for slate legs.

 

[megshenhut]

So when are you going to get Shadow a roo of her very own? You know she will be setting soon. Of course, you can always give her a few big girl eggs to brood too. My little cochins make great mamas and send those big hens packing to protect their brood.

 

[speckledhen]

At this point, I don't think I'll be getting her a hubby her own size. I'm sort of downsizing and changing my focus and a new bantam project isn't in the cards right now. She is full of personality and I've seen her back the big girls down. Of course, she has to fly up in the air to get to their levels, but she manages!

 

[BethAnnsBantams]

How do you breed for a self blue? They are so lovely and my cochins are so friendly? Beth

 

[Sonoran Silkies]

You have to find a bird who is lavender (self-blue) and breed it to your bird. Then take the offspring and breed them together or to another lavender.