Read more: here are a few crucial tips to keep in mind when you start keeping chickens.
They’re Poofy
The Cochin ’ second battalion of feathers is the initial thing most people notification at first glance. Cross a elephantine feather-duster with a fledge feather boa and you ’ ll get the picture : cochin chickens are spectacularly downy. They seem to have layer upon layer of feathers but, in actuality, their feather is plainly long and very dumbly packed, adding to the breed ’ sulfur already ample appearance .
Their characteristic tail is a attack bouffant bun of ultra-soft feathers. Their slender, sturdy legs are covered in feathers. even their toes are feathered. And fair when you think a Cochin couldn ’ triiodothyronine possibly get any poofier, along comes the frizzle variety show, whose curled, flex feathers add even more volume. Do note that if your cubic yard or run tend towards the cloudy, this walking earthball international relations and security network ’ thymine for you, as its feather feet require a dry, preferably grassy coat. 
They’re Sweethearts
identical few breeds are as easy and docile as the Cochin. Their composure, friendly dispositions make them ideally suited for families with children and for older adults, as even the males of the breed are not aggressive. Cochins are besides very easily tamed. My fluffballs learned promptly to assemble whenever I entered their tend in the middle of the afternoon. They knew this mean kitchen scraps or other treats, something the early breeds never picked up on until they saw the Cochins happily munching away. several of my Cochin girls were besides absolutely glad being carried around and cuddled by my sons and, yes, by me on occasion. Although, to be honest, they preferred sitting on my lap in the sunlight. As you can surmise, the gentle-natured, affectionate Cochin besides makes a fantastic darling .
They’re Cold Hardy
Michigan winters arrive early and stay late, with -20º days being a hallmark of this coarse season. During these bitterly cold months, I ’ five hundred draw myself out of my nice, affectionate bed to crossly open the my cage. But I knew full good that cipher would set one toe outside their pop doorway. No one, that is, except the Cochins.
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Without fail, they ’ five hundred troop outside and wander around as if it were a balmy summer day. My husband and I would have to shovel paths through the snow equitable so the Cochins could stroll. Thanks to their abundant feather and their efficiency at converting fuel to torso heating system, Cochin chickens can survive the bleakest of chilly climes. not only that : Cochins however lay regularly throughout the winter, earning their keep while the pillow of the layers take the snow-white season off .
Read more: This guide will help you help your chickens during cold weather .
They’re Approved by the Queen
Cochins aren ’ thyroxine equitable beautiful, bountiful birds. They ’ re besides royal … or equally finale to royal as chickens can get. Cochins were a especial favorite of Queen Victoria, who had a palatial aviary build precisely for the blazing birds her explorers brought back from Shanghai. The Queen was known to spend many an afternoon there, enjoying tea amongst her beloved fluffs. queen Victoria eagerly distributed her batch ’ s fertilized eggs to relatives all over Europe. This kicked off the “ Hen Fever ” for exotic, elegant domestic fowl that took the continent—and finally America—by storm. 
They Make Great Mothers
If any breed gives the Silkie a melt for its money, it ’ s the Cochin. Mama Cochin chickens will happily brood anything from golf balls to goose eggs. In fact, they are the prefer broody when it comes to hatching ducklings and poults. Cochins are so disposed towards broodiness that roosters have been known to set eggs. Cochins will brood more than one clutch bag per year and will happily mother all manners of baby poultry. Just make indisputable that your hatching eggs have hard shells. Due to their size, Cochin hens have been known to by chance crush any thin-shelled eggs they are setting.
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They Come in Different Sizes
Cochin chickens are quite formidable in the size department, beaten out in size by only the Jersey Giant and the Brahma. An adult male weighs approximately 11 pounds, while the female averages between 8 and 9 pounds. Because of their size, Cochins are not known for their fly skills. They can be contained by a two-foot fence, and they normally require a low perch, particularly as they get older. concerned that these gentle giants might take up all your chicken coop space ? not to worry : Cochins are available as both large fowl and bantam, with adult bantams averaging between 2 and 3 pounds in size .
