When my husband , Jae , and I bug out our fowl farm a twosome of decades ago , we made the decision to resurrect heritage breed that were on theLivestock Conservancy ’s Conservation Priority List — in other words , breeds that were critically endangered or threatened . One breed , in particular , stood out for me : a large , feather - legged bird that came in a mixture of colors and was supposedly one of the friendliest , most gentle breeds of domestic fowl : the Cochin .
I search for local Cochin breeders in my state and managed to find one about two hours west of us . Soon after , we were the gallant owner of one XII beautiful Cochin chicks .
Although years have fade since our original Cochins and their posterity passed on , if I were to convert Jae to add one more breed to our farm ( which presently comprise of Orpingtons and Ameraucanas , plus Ancona ducks ) , it would hands down be Cochins . Every individual Cochin we evoke — and we raised several 12 over the years — started out as a gentle wench , happy to be hold , and only became more affectionate as an grownup .
Our Cochins pay off along with every breed of poulet we levy , would contentedly follow us around as we did our domestic fowl and grand chores , and would jump up onto our lick for petting and cuddles when given the chance . away from their affection , our Cochins were mythologic garden assistant , gobble up insects and voraciously snacking on blowball .
Despite their heavily feather foundation , they were expert scratcher , bend over mulch in our heyday beds as they research for grubs and other treats . Our Cochins were also our best wintertime layers , producing eggs justly through the winter holiday despite the forgetful daylight hours .
We are n’t the only one infatuated with this beautiful breed of bird , however . presently and in centuries past , Cochin has inspired everyone from the regular homeowner to royal stag to own poultry flocks .
A Bird Fit for a Queen
Keeping chickens was nothing new in the 1800s . Most of the fowl kept at that full point weredescendants of the Red Jungle Fowl , with few elision , and resembled your canonical barnyard dame : small , lithe , single cockscomb , yellow cannon , ruby-red - brown feathers . Imagine the uproar when , in 1843 , Captain Edward Belcher , a British Navy policeman , gift the newlywed Queen Victoria with five hens and two roostershe had acquired during his locomotion through Asia .
These seven birds were unlike any chicken previously seen in Europe : tall , full bodied and with salient plumage . Victoria was enthralled and had a particular bird sanctuary establish for her “ Cochin Chinas ” at Windsor Castle . Soon other European royals were raising their own flocks from hatch egg provided by the British queen .
Cochin Fever
The Victorian birds , however , endure small resemblance to today ’s Cochin . The stout , feather - legged bird we have intercourse today took England by tempest a few years after the comer of the royal Cochin Chinas . A Mr. Moody and a Mr. Sturgeon both evolve ample , feather - legged birdie from China and start breed what they call Shanghai Fowl .
The British public did n’t think much of the name , however . They take a firm stand on bid these newcomers Cochins as well . Then , at the 1850 Birmingham Exhibition , these large , downy chickens made their official introduction and astonished attender . Word spread out quickly of an huge chicken with a crowing - similar Leo ’s roar but affectionate as a pet .
The Cochin Craze cursorily took hold throughout Great Britain , and America presently follow cause .
Also record : These rare and unequaled heritage chickens are odd birdie indeed !
Problematic Poultry
Despite being a favorite amongst fowl fancier , there are some drawbacks to breed this beautiful bird . For fledgling , the Cochin takes the scenic route to maturity , reaching the point of lay at about eight months ( versus about four to five calendar month for other breeds ) and tabular array sizing at years 16 months ( versus six months for other dual - purpose birds ) .
Because of their size , cochin china tend to move much more slowly than other chickens , form them easy targets for ground - based predators . The Cochin ’s size also inhibits its ability to reach gamey roosts inside the chicken coop . Lower roosts are required .
Because of their large feather , Cochins abide in the eminent warmth of summer and require fishy space where they can chill off . Cochin hens also have a tendency to go meditative , cutting back on their nut yield , which typically averages 200 large brown eggs per yr .
Beautiful Breeders
The Cochin ’s proclivity towards setting eggs , however , is very much a positive for those looking to breed these gentle birds . Cochin hens make fabulous mother . They will mirthfully set and leaven their own dame as well as those from other breeds of fowl , even ducklings and dud poults .
Cochin roosters have been know to help jell eggs , too , andthey make attentive founder . Cochins are very cold stalwart and thrive in the harsh of wintertime mood .
And then there ’s the Cochin sidesplitter factor . Their abundance of flabby , flossy feathers adds to their immense appearance , with feathering offer down to their toe . Cochin tail plume add to their appeal , as these plumage clothe into a round roll conformation rather of the marvelous , extended tail feathers of other breeds . TheAmerican Poultry Association ( APA)recognizes nine potpourri of stock - domestic fowl Cochin :
However , there are many other unrecognized color varieties developed by poultry fanciers . There are even frizzle Cochins and , for backyard flock owner with limited place , bantam Cochins .
Jae and I bred and raised Blue , Black , White , Splash and Frizzle Cochins over the years on our farm . During that time , Cochin ’s popularity have a revitalization across America , and the Livestock Conservancy think the breed full recovered from its previous endangered status . I would merrily add Cochins back into our flock in a pulsation . They are the breed I recommend the most to blade - new backyard hatful keepers , families with small fry , and essentially anybody who wants to get raising a beautiful bird .
