Cochin Bantam

The Cochin or Cochin China, is a breed of chicken. The name Cochin came from the original Chinese name meaning nine jin yellow, erroneously conflated with the then-current names for what are now parts of southern India and Vietnam, where jin is a traditional Chinese measurement of weight. In China itself, the name 九斤黄 is actually used for any large chicken or even a dish made from one. Cochins originated from China in the early 1850s where it was known as the Shanghai or the Cochin-China. The original birds were received by Queen Victoria which led to great popularity for the breed. It was believed that the Chinese bred them with such profuse feathering for filling duvets. The Cochin has no sharp angles and is very rounded in appearance. They are the largest of the heavy breeds and cockerels can weigh in at 12lbs! They are broad birds too and this is enhanced by the enormous amount of feathers that they have. The plumage is soft with short broad feathers.As above, the most distinctive feature of the Cochin is the excessive plumage that covers leg and foot. The skin beneath the feathers is yellow and the egg colour is brown. Eggs are also medium in size. Standard weight is  9 pounds (4 kg)  for a hen, and 7 pounds (3.2 kg). Colour varieties include buff, black, partridge, blue, silver laced, splash, golden laced, and white. Cochins also come in a variety called frizzled, in which the feathers are turned outward. Cochins are well known as good mothers, even as foster mothers for other breeds, and they can lay many eggs, but usually not for extended periods of time. Cochins are also known to be good pet hens for the garden, as they are tame and regarded as one of the most 'friendly' chicken breeds. Cochins are quiet chickens. They scarcely crow or cluck, only when laying eggs. Also cochins are very calm. Varieties: Black, blue, buff, cuckoo, partridge, grouse and white. The legs are yellow and the ear lobes are red while the eyes are a reddish bay.

 

Origin

Class: Asiatic

Type: Large Fowl & Bantam

Size: Very Heavy

Rarity: Common

Purpose: Ornamental

Egg Facts

Egg Laying: Fair (2/wk)

Egg Color: Brown

Egg Size: Medium

Fancy Features

Comb Type: Single Comb

Crested: No
Feathered Legs: Yes

Number of Toes: 4

Suitability to Backyard Life

Hardy In Winter: Yes

Especially Docile: Yes

Setter/Broody: Yes

Personality: peaceful, friendly, Easily handled