History

Cochins arrived in England and the United States in 1845. Originally, Cochins were called Chinese Shanghai Fowl, after the district in China where they originated. Later the name was changed to “Cochin China” and finally shortened to “Cochin”. The Cochin is considered an Asiatic Breed. Cochins were admitted to the Standard in 1874.

Qualities of the Cochin

Cochins are full feathered making them appear larger than they are. Their loose feathering gives them fine aesthetic qualities, which makes them popular as show birds.

  • Temperament – One of the main characteristics of Cochins is their gentle disposition, which makes them easy to handle and therefore ideal as show birds or as pets for children.
  • Broodiness – Cochins are good setters and excellent mothers.
  • Climate – Cochins are loose feathered which helps them tolerate cold weather well; however, they will need careful watching during hot weather. Since Cochins have heavy feathering on their legs and toes, it is a good idea to keep them confined during wet weather to avoid mud buildup.
  • Adaptability Cochins do well in confinement. They also forage well in free-range settings.

Because of its large size, the Cochin is a suitable meat bird for the backyard flock, but it is slow to mature. Cochins are fair layers and lay an medium size brown egg.

Physical Appearance

  • Feathers – Cochins are large birds with dense, long, and soft plumage. They have feathered legs and toes.
  • Coloration – The Cochin’s beak is yellow, often shaded with black. The eyes are reddish bay, and the shanks and toes are yellow. The skin color is yellow.
  • Comb – Both the male and female have a five point single comb. 

Videos of Baby Cochin Chicks

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gWhp_4LNUD8

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=leos2l3y0p4

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RD4xgP4iBnE

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=udWTEyccCUY

Availability

To check the availability of Cochins on our website, visit the links below:

Bantam Cochins are also available.

Feedback

If you’ve raised Cochins, leave us a reply below to let us know what you think about them and what your experience with them has been.

 

 

Date 2/18/11

 

Name of Breed Cochins

 

History

Cochins arrived in England and the United States in 1845. They were originally called Chinese Shanghai Fowl after the district of their origin in China. Later the name was changed to ‘Cochin China’ and finally shortened to ‘Cochin’. It is an Asiatic Breed. At the time of its arrival there were four recognized varieties, Buff, White, Black and Partridge, all being admitted to the Standard in 1874.

 

 

Qualities of the Breed

 

Cochins are full feathered making them appear larger than they are. Their loose feathering gives them fine aesthetic qualities, making them popular as award winning show birds.

 

Temperament – The main characteristic of the Cochins is its gentle disposition making them easy to handle and therefore are ideal show birds or pets for children.

 

Broodiness – The Cochin is a good winter layer, a good setter and excellent mother.

 

Climate – Your Cochin is loose feathered which helps it tolerate cold weather well, however, they will need careful watching during hot weather. Also, due to their heavy feathering on legs and toes confine your Cochins during wet weather to avoid mud buildup.

 

Adaptability – Cochins are a good meat bird for the small family barnyard as they do well in confinement and in free-range settings where they forge well.

 

Eggs – Cochins lay a small brown egg.

 

 

Physical Appearance

Feathers – Cochins are large birds with dense, long, and soft plumage with feathered legs and toes.

 

Coloration – The beak is yellow often shaded with black, eyes are reddish bay and the shanks and toes are yellow. Skin color is yellow.

 

Comb – Both the male and female have a bright red single comb. The male has a medium-size five point comb and the female a rounded come which is quite small.

 

Earlobes – The earlobes on both the male and female are oblong.