In my flock of 17, I have 3 bantam Cochin cockerels, about 4.5 months and a slightly older olive egger roo. He was injured by a fox as at 2 months and has a funny gait- he has no issues roosting, mating or getting around, just looks weird moving, so would be more challenging to rehome. Obviously he is fine w the large hens, but not so much for the bantams.
I have a mixed bunch of girls- 2 Rosecombs, a bantam EE, a OEG, a Delaware, a silver laced bantam Cochin, 2 gold laced sebrights, 2 standard EE’s, a standard black Cochin, a comet and a “retired” silkie/Cochin hen who keeps everyone in line. I like variety, okay?
First question, with that many hens, are two roosters going to be one too many? The big guy leaves the bantam hens alone- he seems to have at least a basic understanding of the underlying physics
My flock free ranges part time and has a large coop/run, so space isn’t really an issue. I would like a few chicks next year, mostly because I really enjoy the variety and beauty of the bantams. I will probably need a couple more layers in the next year or two as the older girls are slowing down, so the Olive egger should be good for that job if he stays.
All of that said, I cannot decide between the 3 Cochins. I want interesting colors in the chicks, good conformation and feathering (when crosses w other Cochins) and just... pretty I have no idea what these boys would create color wise crossed with my girls. Temperament wise, all 3 are great so far.
Who should be voted off of the island?
two to go!
