Which breed with mesh well with Cochins?

[Bring]

I have a flock f six Cochin hens and two Cochin roos. They are standard size. I love my cochins but my demand fr eggs has gone up and they just aren't filling orders. What breed of chickens would mesh well with cochins? Meaning, sweet disposition and laid back personalities. I was thinking about black austrolorp but I want to know all my options.

 

[cobrien]

I have BA's and a cochin together, it's a good choice. My BA's are a bit more feisty than the Cochin but it works. Maybe Buff Orpingtons or Light Brahmas, based on what I've read, but no direct experience.

 

[dwegg]

I just introduced two cochins to my flock and they all get along fine (except my little dominique as she was the lowest on the pecking order and had to try and defend her status!). I have RIR, two orpingtons, and an EE.
My EE is a little 'academically' challenged so she was fine and loves her new room mates, but my buff orpinton (Queen of the coop) was amazingly accepting, as was my blue orp.
I LOVE my girls and I LOVE my new cochins and after a week of 'seeing but no touching' and then a week of 'controlled/supervised' free-ranging they are all in together and laying and doing great.

So back to your question I would definitely say orpingtons for two reasons.

1. They are closest you'll get to the cochins size so they won't be an easy target.

2. Orpingtons are EXCELLENT layers and lay huge eggs.

I guess you know how to introduce new girls to a flock but don't be in a rush and do it slowly, especially with Roos...

 

[JennsPeeps]

We've got 1 blue cochin (gorgeous & sweet bird). I know what you mean about the "not such great layers" part.

Animal gets along best with the polish and the buff orp. The BAs tend to pick on her, esp the one who was raised with her. The buff orp doesn't pick on anyone - she just steals their food and lumbers away with it.

 

[domino7]

I have black australorpes in with my cochins too. They are good layers and everyone gets along great.

 

[Akane]

Pretty much anything would work. I have some barred rocks and welsummer crosses laying now and I like orpingtons and wyandottes. It was nearly impossible to pass up the wyandottes at the feedstore but I managed it. Those dark little spotted and striped chicks are so cute. Although I have to say an orpington is the only thing I've seen that's cute when half feathered. Most chicks look kind of scraggly for awhile but these have always remained little brown fluffballs. For once I can't wait to see what they look like grown. Giant brown fluffballs. Most of the time I just want them to stay little and sell most of my pullets before they lay so I can hatch more.