When it comes to eye - beguile chickens , very few breeds surpass the magnificence of the Cochin . This majestic hoot , originally developed in China forits ample meat and its large egg , almost single - handedly started the “ Hen Fever ” furore that sweep through England in the 1840s .
Who could blame those nineteenth - century fancier ? So habituate to scrawny , scruffy chickens , they must have became in a flash fascinate of this downy , full - bodied Asiatic fowl .
As the bicentenary of this bird ’s insertion to England approach , here are six convincing cause why 21st - 100 quite a little owners should consider keep Cochin chickens .
Read more : Here are a few of import tip to keep in mind when you start keeping chickens .
They’re Poofy
The Cochin ’s throng of feathers is the initial affair most hoi polloi notice at first coup d’oeil . Cross a jumbo feather - sirocco with a feather boa and you ’ll get the scene : Cochin poulet are stunningly fluffy .
They seem to have layer upon level of plumage but , in actuality , their plumageis simply long and very densely pack , add to the strain ’s already sizeable appearance .
Their characteristic tail is a rounded bouffant bun of ultra - piano feathers . Their lissome , sturdy branch are cover in feathers . Even their toes are fledge .
Ana Hotaling
And just when you think a Cochin could n’t possibly get any poofier , along comes the crape variety , whose kink , twisted plumage append even more bulk . Do take note that if your yard or run tend towards the miry , this walking puffball is n’t for you , as its feathered pes require a dry , rather grassy surface . Ana Hotaling
They’re Sweethearts
Very few breeds are as gentle and teachable as the Cochin . Their calm , friendly dispositions make them ideally suited for families with children and for older adults , as even themales of the stock are non aggressive .
cochin china are also very easy tamed . My fluffballs get word quickly to assemble whenever I participate their run in the center of the afternoon . They knew this entail kitchen scraps or other kickshaw , something the other breeds never picked up on until they saw the Cochins happily munching aside .
Several of my Cochin girls were also utterly happy being impart around and cuddled by my son and , yes , by me on occasion . Although , to be honest , they favor sit on my lick in the sun .
Ana Hotaling
As you’re able to suspect , the gentle - natured , affectionate Cochin also throw a terrific deary .
They’re Cold Hardy
Michigan winter arrive early and stay late , with -20º days being a hallmark of this rough time of year . During these bitterly cold month , I ’d drag myself out of my gracious , ardent bottom to grouchily open up the my coops . But I knew full well that nobody would set one toe outside their pop door .
No one , that is , except the Cochins .
Without fail , they ’d parade outside and divagate around as if it were a balmy summer day . My hubby and I would have to shovel paths through the snow just so the Cochins could saunter . Thanks to their abundant feather and their efficiency at change over fuel to body heat , Cochin chicken can survive the bleakest of parky climes .
Ana Hotaling
Not only that : Cochins stilllay regularly throughout the winter , garner their keep while the rest of the layers take the snowy season off .
say more : This guide will help you help your volaille during cold atmospheric condition .
They’re Approved by the Queen
cochin are n’t just beautiful , freehanded snort . They ’re also regal … or as close to royal as chickens can get .
Cochins were aparticular favourite of Queen Victoria , who had a palatial volary build just for the dazzling birdie her Internet Explorer fetch back from Shanghai . The Queen was acknowledge to spend many an afternoon there , enjoying tea amongst her beloved fluffs .
Queen Victoria thirstily distributed her flock ’s fertilized egg to relatives all over Europe . This kicked off the “ Hen Fever ” for exotic , graceful poultry that took the continent — and finally America — by storm . Ana Hotaling
They Make Great Mothers
If any strain gives the Silkie a run for its money , it ’s the Cochin . Mama Cochin chickens will happily grizzle anything from golf balls to goose eggs . In fact , they are the preferred setting hen when it come tohatching duckling and poults .
Cochins are so disposed towards broodiness that roosters have been known to set eggs .
cochin china will brood more than one clutch per twelvemonth and will happily overprotect all manners of baby poultry . Just ensure that your hatching eggs have hard shell . Due to their size , Cochin hens have been known to circumstantially crush any thinly - trounce bollock they are setting .
They Come in Different Sizes
Cochin chickens are quite unnerving in the sizing department , beaten out in size by only the Jersey Giant and the Brahma . Anadult male person weighs or so 11 Pound , while the female averages between 8 and 9 pounds .
Because of their size , cochin china are not known for their flying skill . They can be contain by a two - metrical foot fencing , and they commonly require a low perch , especially as they get older .
interested that these patrician hulk might take up all your henhouse space ? Not to concern : Cochins are usable as both large bird and bantam , withadult bantamsaveraging between 2 and 3 pounds in sizing .
