Should these cochins be feathered out more at this age?

[flagday76]

I have 2 pair of blacks and 1 pair of partridge cochins. The blacks are from Superior Farms, and the partridge are from another breeder. They were hatched the middle of March this year, so they are about 4 months old. Should they be more feathered out than they are? I know the pictures aren't the best, but my batteries died, and I have them charging now. I will try to get better pics later, if they will help. Thanks!

 

[cochinman2005]

I would say that they are progressing nicely. Cochins in general, especially large fowl Cochins are one of the slowest developing breeds. They go through a very awkward and gangly (sp) stage where they are building the bone structure and then they fill in the muscle and feathers. They look to be right on track for a 4 month old LF Cochin. Partridge appear to be smaller, but most of the Partridge LF that you find in the U.S. are smaller framed birds. There are a few breeders working to correct that and you'll find that their Partridge Cochins are larger.

The real test in the quality of what you've raised or bred is to see what they look like at the 2 year mark after they've gone through a breeding season and molted in again. If at that point the bird hasn't fallen apart and is a good representative of the breed, then you have a valuable breeder bird. I've seen plenty of ckls and pullets that look great as yearlings, but are a disappointment as a 2 year old bird. Some breeders will not use pullets and cockerels in their breeding pens for this very reason.

 

[Chicky Mama]

I'd say they look pretty good.

 

[flagday76]

Thanks for the replies. I am new to LF cochins, and am just curious about their development. Hopefully this fall, I will be able to meet up with some LF cochin breeders at the shows and pick their brains! Thanks again!

 

[greenfamilyfarms]

They look pretty normal for hatchery quality Cochins.

 

[rodriguezpoultry]

I have to disagree with greenfamilyfarms statement.

The blacks are much better than hatchery quality. By now, hatchery birds would be completely feathered in and preparing for laying.

Your birds are progressing nicely. Don't expect eggs too soon though! Around 9 months is when good quality birds begin to lay, but that's a generalization.

 

[flagday76]

Greenfamilyfarms... just wondering why you think they are hatchery quality?

 

[Msbear]

Im not familiar with LF but I would say they look pretty good from what pics I've seen of LF cochins on here. Make sure they are getting enough protein in their feed as that will encourage feather growth. I feed mine gambird feed and that seems to help the bantam cochins feather out.

 

[greenfamilyfarms]

Quote:
Too "tall" and they need some more leg feathering.

 

[Msbear]

Quote:
Too "tall" and they need some more leg feathering.

Superior Farms is still a hatchery so you won't get the quality you would most likelyy get with a private breeder but, I would say, they are much better than most hatcheries.

Good Luck with them.