Which Bantam Cochin Cockerels to keep?

[MrsChickendad]

Quote:
Any idea what the others could be? What about the bigger black one?

The others are still cochins, there tails just aren't correct for the breed.

This is "Hot Stuff" in a different pose. It appears to me that he has a cushion, am I correct? Thanks for your helpful comments.

 

[seedcorn]

It should be cushioned all the time. If you are going to breed cochins to sell, unless their cushions get better, get another roo. It is fairly easy to find a good type of cochin bantams.

If they are just for your use and you're not going to breed him, pick the one you like best.

 

[eggcochin_freak5]

black looks the best....im uh well not to fond of the frizzle....

 

[MrsChickendad]

Quote:
There are TWO black roos. The one in the last photo is not the same one as in the group photos. Thanks everyone who has commented. Yeah, I think the frizzle is butt ugly, too.

 

[Kanchii]

Yes, that second black does look better though its always hard to see type well when they're pecking at the ground. Lol and of course chickens always seem to want to peck when you want to take pictures. The buffs look pretty good, not ideal but out of the rest I like them and then the splash the most for type.

 

[LilPeeps]

Of the buffs, the one on the right in the first pic looks best. Hot Stuff is probably the best roo, but if you do want to breed/show, I, too, would suggest getting a more typey male. Also, if you do keep that frizzle boy, DON'T breed him to your frizzle girl.

 

[seedcorn]

Quote:
There are TWO black roos. The one in the last photo is not the same one as in the group photos. Thanks everyone who has commented. Yeah, I think the frizzle is butt ugly, too.

I understand that but neither have good cochin cushions.

They are yours, keep the ones you like.

 

[MrsChickendad]

Thanks everyone for your comments. I am trying to develop my "eye". I showed and bred English springer spaniels years ago, so I understand type and balance, but the chicken standards seem a little vague and open to lots of interpretation. Also, there is the color genetics to consider. I did look up frizzle x frizzle and found it to be similar to a "lethal gene" in dogs. Besides, all my frizzle roo has going for him is his frizzleness! (frizziality?)

Can anyone recommend a good book/article/post on colors in bantams? Thanks in advance!

 

[KellyGwen]

It sounds to me like you're going to keep Hot Stuff.. I think you like him too much

 

[seedcorn]

I'm not a "breeder" or show person but go to any county fair and you'll probably see a decent amount of good specimens there. Once you see a good one, you'll never be satisfied w/marginal ones. There are a lot of good pictures on the internet as well.

If the hens' cushions aren't any better, I'd consider selling them off as setters and start over.