Are you interested in the Cochin chickens? They are beautiful and make perfect lawn ornaments. But does the Cochin fit your needs and wants? Let’s look at the Cochin chicken: read this before buying!
How Many Eggs Do Cochin Chickens Lay?
First on our Cochin Chicken: Read This Before Buying _is the all-important egg. Many people keep backyard chickens for their delicious eggs. So it only makes sense that you would want to know what their egg production is like. With the Cochin chicken, you will get about 160-180 medium-sized eggs per year. Or about 2-3 a week in most cases. In most cases, these chickens lay light brown eggs unless you get a Blue Cochin. The Blue Cochin chicken egg color is a darker brown than the others.
When To Expect Cochin Chicken Eggs?
Unlike many high-producing hens, the Cochin chicken is a late layer. It isn’t likey that they are ready to lay before 8-9 months old. And like most chickens, they stop laying around 2-3 years old. So if you are looking for a high producing hen, the Cochin isn’t the best for you.
Are They Broody?
For breeders, the Cochin is a perfect hen for you. These chickens go broody often and take care of their young dutifully. You can even put other hen’s eggs in her nest, and she will hatch them just as well. This natural mother’s instinct is what draws chicken owners to the Cochin. You can take a non-broody breed’s eggs and give the Cochin for excellent results. Even the occasional rooster is known for caring for eggs. Roos will take turns with the hens to care for eggs and chicks alike.
But if you aren’t looking to breed your Cochins, this inclination to broodiness can cause issues. A broody hen can be difficult to break. And if they are left broody too long, they will stop eating, lose weight, and be at risk of illness. So if you are just starting with hens, you might do better with another hen breed.
Are Cochins Dual-Purpose?
Cochins make a decent-sized meal for those willing to put in the work. How big do Cochin chickens get? These chickens can get between 8-11 pounds if fed a nice well-rounded diet. And they are ready for processing around 12 weeks old. And when you combine this size with their easy breeding, you could have plenty of fresh meat if you play your cards right.
How Do They Fair In Winter?
Winter months can be hard on chickens if you don’t have the best breeds. Luckily for you, most Cochin varieties are perfect for the cold weather. They don’t seem to mind the snow and keep warm on their own. The only downside is that Cochin chicken doesn’t lay eggs in the winter.
However, there is an exception to this rule, the Frizzle Cochin. Frizzle Cochins have curly fluffy feathers that stick out everywhere. They are adorable but not the most practical. These feathers don’t trap heat for insulation that chickens need to keep warm. Instead, a cold winter breeze will chill them to the bone. So if you live in colder climates, it’s best to stay away from this variety.
The Cochin Temperament
Now that we know the practical reasons for keeping Cochins let’s look at how they fit into your flock. Cochin chicken is a calm and docile bird. They don’t start fights and might even get bullied by dominant hens. But this calm demeanor makes them very friendly birds.
Cochin chickens love to follow their owners around the yard. They don’t even mind when you handle them, and your Cochins might even climb up into your lap willingly. And if you are wondering about roosters, even they are some of the kindest males you’ll ever meet.
Can Cochins Fly?
Cochins are a hefty bird that can’t fly very high. So if you are in an urban neighborhood, you won’t have to worry about your hens flying over the fence. But there is a downside to this. If your area is known for predators, your Cochins will have difficulty getting away from danger. You will want to keep them close to shelter and out of open fields.
Cochin Chicken Colors And Sizes
Just when you thought that the Cochin chicken couldn’t get any better, you learn about their colors. There are 14 different color variations of the Cochin, and each one is as stunning as the last. You can get anything from red to white, to Black Cochin chicken. There are even some colors that local breeders create for a unique chicken no one else will have. You could have a flock of all the color varieties if you wanted to.
How much do Cochin chickens weigh? Hens will get about 8 pounds and roosters as much as 11. But let’s not forget these chickens also come in bantam sizes. These mini puff chickens are adorable to look at. They have everything you love about the Cochin in a pint-size. The Cochin chicken bantam weighs just under two pounds, perfect for every yard.
Also, these birds come in larger sizes! Take a look at the Giant Cochin chicken that gets up to 12 pounds. These monsters aren’t as scary as they look, though. They are still gentle creatures that you will love to have in your flock.
Medical Concerns And Lifespan
Before getting any chicken breed, it’s nice to look at any possible medical concerns. You want a breed that is robust and doesn’t get sick quickly. Luckily, the Cochin chicken isn’t prone to genetic defects or low immune systems. As long as you keep their weight in check, that is.
Cochins are prone to becoming a little plump if you aren’t careful. Obesity in chickens can cause heart problems, foot injury, and even early death. So to prevent this, you will need to measure out your layer feed well. Don’t let your hens graze on feed all day, though. Make them go out in the yard to forage for a higher protein diet. All of the exercise will keep them fit, and it prevents boredom.
Other than this, you will have to be mindful of mites and internal parasites like every other chicken. If you keep their living spaces clean and diets balanced, your Cochin could live up to 10 years.
Do They Need Any Special Care?
Cochin chickens are straightforward chickens to raise. They are perfect for the beginner and don’t need much to keep happy. The only thing you have to be wary of is the Cochin’s feet. All of the feathers are prone to mites, frost, and mud. If your Cochin’s feathers are too wet, it could cause bumblefoot or frostbite.
But this is an easy fix. During your daily wellness checks, you should give your Cochin’s a good look. Check their feet for blisters, mud accumulation, and dampness in the winter. If you find mud, just clean them up a little with warm water. And if you find sores, it’s best to isolate them and treat them until healed.
Winter is when daily foot checks are the most important. If your Cochin hens get moisture buildup, they become easily frostbitten. When the yard is muddy and wet from melting snow, it might be best to keep your Cochins locked up. And if they do, by chance, get wet, you can dry them off with a cool blow dryer.
The only other thing to consider as special care is keeping a low roost for Cochins. Since Cochins can have trouble with bumblefoot due to obesity, lower roosts are a great preventative. Your Cochin’s roosts shouldn’t be any higher than two feet off the ground to prevent injuries. And don’t forget to move them away from your other hens. You wouldn’t want your hens to get pooped on all night by the others.
Are Cochins Rare?
While not many people seem to own Cochin chickens anymore, they aren’t a rare breed. You can get your Cochins at local feedstores or online hatcheries, especially the more common color varieties. And they are decently cheap, with an average of $3.75 per chick. So anyone can own the chicken of their dreams.
Pros And Cons
And the last section of Cochin Chicken: Read This Before Buying is quick pros and cons. These are all of the points you want to consider before buying Cochin chickens.
Pros:
- Great mothers and make breeding easy
- Good broilers for fresh meat
- So many beautiful colors
- Three sizes to choose from
- Long lifespans that make them great pets
- Amazingly docile temperament
- And cold-hardy
Cons:
- Not the best egg layers, but still decent
- Cochins do need more attention to their feet than other breeds
- Most Cochins don’t lay eggs in winter
- And they are prone to predators
What Do You Think?
The Cochin chicken has some fantastic qualities. Even if these hens aren’t the best egg producers in the world, they still have a place in our hearts. Aren’t you glad you read the Cochin Chicken: Read This Before Buying? Now you can make an informed decision too.
Are you interested in the Cochin chickens? They are beautiful and make perfect lawn ornaments. But does the Cochin fit your needs and wants? Let’s look at the Cochin chicken: read this before buying!
How Many Eggs Do Cochin Chickens Lay?
First on our Cochin Chicken: Read This Before Buying _is the all-important egg. Many people keep backyard chickens for their delicious eggs. So it only makes sense that you would want to know what their egg production is like. With the Cochin chicken, you will get about 160-180 medium-sized eggs per year. Or about 2-3 a week in most cases. In most cases, these chickens lay light brown eggs unless you get a Blue Cochin. The Blue Cochin chicken egg color is a darker brown than the others.
When To Expect Cochin Chicken Eggs?
Unlike many high-producing hens, the Cochin chicken is a late layer. It isn’t likey that they are ready to lay before 8-9 months old. And like most chickens, they stop laying around 2-3 years old. So if you are looking for a high producing hen, the Cochin isn’t the best for you.
Are They Broody?
For breeders, the Cochin is a perfect hen for you. These chickens go broody often and take care of their young dutifully. You can even put other hen’s eggs in her nest, and she will hatch them just as well. This natural mother’s instinct is what draws chicken owners to the Cochin. You can take a non-broody breed’s eggs and give the Cochin for excellent results. Even the occasional rooster is known for caring for eggs. Roos will take turns with the hens to care for eggs and chicks alike.
But if you aren’t looking to breed your Cochins, this inclination to broodiness can cause issues. A broody hen can be difficult to break. And if they are left broody too long, they will stop eating, lose weight, and be at risk of illness. So if you are just starting with hens, you might do better with another hen breed.
Are Cochins Dual-Purpose?
Cochins make a decent-sized meal for those willing to put in the work. How big do Cochin chickens get? These chickens can get between 8-11 pounds if fed a nice well-rounded diet. And they are ready for processing around 12 weeks old. And when you combine this size with their easy breeding, you could have plenty of fresh meat if you play your cards right.
How Do They Fair In Winter?
Winter months can be hard on chickens if you don’t have the best breeds. Luckily for you, most Cochin varieties are perfect for the cold weather. They don’t seem to mind the snow and keep warm on their own. The only downside is that Cochin chicken doesn’t lay eggs in the winter.
However, there is an exception to this rule, the Frizzle Cochin. Frizzle Cochins have curly fluffy feathers that stick out everywhere. They are adorable but not the most practical. These feathers don’t trap heat for insulation that chickens need to keep warm. Instead, a cold winter breeze will chill them to the bone. So if you live in colder climates, it’s best to stay away from this variety.
The Cochin Temperament
Now that we know the practical reasons for keeping Cochins let’s look at how they fit into your flock. Cochin chicken is a calm and docile bird. They don’t start fights and might even get bullied by dominant hens. But this calm demeanor makes them very friendly birds.
Cochin chickens love to follow their owners around the yard. They don’t even mind when you handle them, and your Cochins might even climb up into your lap willingly. And if you are wondering about roosters, even they are some of the kindest males you’ll ever meet.
Can Cochins Fly?
Cochins are a hefty bird that can’t fly very high. So if you are in an urban neighborhood, you won’t have to worry about your hens flying over the fence. But there is a downside to this. If your area is known for predators, your Cochins will have difficulty getting away from danger. You will want to keep them close to shelter and out of open fields.
Cochin Chicken Colors And Sizes
Just when you thought that the Cochin chicken couldn’t get any better, you learn about their colors. There are 14 different color variations of the Cochin, and each one is as stunning as the last. You can get anything from red to white, to Black Cochin chicken. There are even some colors that local breeders create for a unique chicken no one else will have. You could have a flock of all the color varieties if you wanted to.
How much do Cochin chickens weigh? Hens will get about 8 pounds and roosters as much as 11. But let’s not forget these chickens also come in bantam sizes. These mini puff chickens are adorable to look at. They have everything you love about the Cochin in a pint-size. The Cochin chicken bantam weighs just under two pounds, perfect for every yard.
Also, these birds come in larger sizes! Take a look at the Giant Cochin chicken that gets up to 12 pounds. These monsters aren’t as scary as they look, though. They are still gentle creatures that you will love to have in your flock.
Medical Concerns And Lifespan
Before getting any chicken breed, it’s nice to look at any possible medical concerns. You want a breed that is robust and doesn’t get sick quickly. Luckily, the Cochin chicken isn’t prone to genetic defects or low immune systems. As long as you keep their weight in check, that is.
Cochins are prone to becoming a little plump if you aren’t careful. Obesity in chickens can cause heart problems, foot injury, and even early death. So to prevent this, you will need to measure out your layer feed well. Don’t let your hens graze on feed all day, though. Make them go out in the yard to forage for a higher protein diet. All of the exercise will keep them fit, and it prevents boredom.
Other than this, you will have to be mindful of mites and internal parasites like every other chicken. If you keep their living spaces clean and diets balanced, your Cochin could live up to 10 years.
Do They Need Any Special Care?
Cochin chickens are straightforward chickens to raise. They are perfect for the beginner and don’t need much to keep happy. The only thing you have to be wary of is the Cochin’s feet. All of the feathers are prone to mites, frost, and mud. If your Cochin’s feathers are too wet, it could cause bumblefoot or frostbite.
But this is an easy fix. During your daily wellness checks, you should give your Cochin’s a good look. Check their feet for blisters, mud accumulation, and dampness in the winter. If you find mud, just clean them up a little with warm water. And if you find sores, it’s best to isolate them and treat them until healed.
Winter is when daily foot checks are the most important. If your Cochin hens get moisture buildup, they become easily frostbitten. When the yard is muddy and wet from melting snow, it might be best to keep your Cochins locked up. And if they do, by chance, get wet, you can dry them off with a cool blow dryer.
The only other thing to consider as special care is keeping a low roost for Cochins. Since Cochins can have trouble with bumblefoot due to obesity, lower roosts are a great preventative. Your Cochin’s roosts shouldn’t be any higher than two feet off the ground to prevent injuries. And don’t forget to move them away from your other hens. You wouldn’t want your hens to get pooped on all night by the others.
Are Cochins Rare?
While not many people seem to own Cochin chickens anymore, they aren’t a rare breed. You can get your Cochins at local feedstores or online hatcheries, especially the more common color varieties. And they are decently cheap, with an average of $3.75 per chick. So anyone can own the chicken of their dreams.
Pros And Cons
And the last section of Cochin Chicken: Read This Before Buying is quick pros and cons. These are all of the points you want to consider before buying Cochin chickens.
Pros:
- Great mothers and make breeding easy
- Good broilers for fresh meat
- So many beautiful colors
- Three sizes to choose from
- Long lifespans that make them great pets
- Amazingly docile temperament
- And cold-hardy
Cons:
- Not the best egg layers, but still decent
- Cochins do need more attention to their feet than other breeds
- Most Cochins don’t lay eggs in winter
- And they are prone to predators
What Do You Think?
The Cochin chicken has some fantastic qualities. Even if these hens aren’t the best egg producers in the world, they still have a place in our hearts. Aren’t you glad you read the Cochin Chicken: Read This Before Buying? Now you can make an informed decision too.
Below is a Pinterest friendly photo…. so you can pin it to your Backyard Chicken Board!!
