Which is better: Mottled Cochin Bantams or Silkies??

[Folly's place]

I love my Belgian d'Uccles, and did not have positive feelings for the Silkies. Just me, you may feel diferently. Also loved the bantam Brahmas I had, but not enough to keep both them and the millies. Try some of each and find what you like. The Cochin bantams are really cute also but my Cochin cocks fought too much, so they left also. Mary

 

[NYREDS]

silkies are prone to extruded skulls, cochins are more durable for that reason. cochins will lay more eggs typically, but not always. - neither breed is known for good egg production - im going to guess 80-120 eggs a year per hen.

What, pray tell, is an "extruded" skull & why is it a problem?

 

[loveourbirds]

quick version - though im pretty sure you already know

an extruded skull will appear as a large bump on top of the head, it is an area where the skull cap is not fully formed and the brain is exposed. chickens, even as chicks will peck each other on the head. the exposed brain makes silkies more prone to problems from this pecking.

some say its from crossing silkies with polish to improve the crest, and larger crested birds do appear to throw more extruded skulls- of course i dont have any real research on this, just an observation in my own flock.

edited for typo

 

[Howlet]

i like mottled cochins better i just personaly dont like silkies

 

[calichicken]

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[kimthom66]

I have a silkie but have just started with Cochin Bantams and I am in love with this breed. But I agree with mixing it up! Get a few of each, you won't be disappointed!