Cochin chickens were originally from Shanghai. They appeared in America sometime around the late 1840s. At the time they were only represented by four colors; mainly buff, partridge, white, and black. Now you can find them in nine different colors and patterns. Some note them by their so-called feather-pants that they are famous for. No, they don’t truly wear pants but instead have feathers that extend completely down their legs unlike some other breeds that have bear legs and feet. This gives them the appearance of having feather-pants on. The breed is known to attain a stature of eight and a half pounds to eleven pounds. Using words to describe the color specifications of the breed cannot truly do justice to their beautiful plumage and the way they carry it.

They are fantastic layers; with eggs normally medium to large in size, when they attain their maturity. As with all egg layers they will start out as young layers by laying eggs that can range from the size of a robin’s egg to smaller than the traditional small egg. But once they are adults they will produce the medium to large eggs that they’re known for. Due to their build they are also fantastic for use as a meat chicken. They have a generous breasty build and the males-which are the ones most often harvested for meat-can go to eleven pounds and up. Their meat is a nice white meat that makes it perfect for whole roasters or harvesting separately.

When choosing the perfect chicken for your backyard chicken coop, temperament should definitely be a consideration when choosing any breed. Cochin chickens have a fantastically pleasant disposition and are noted for being very friendly. But as with any breed, how they are handled from chicks to adulthood and their environment or coop size will determine their adult temperament. They are proven to be excellent mothers. Their breed is noted for being broody; which is a characteristic of a chicken that longs for motherhood. Most are simply great mothers who are determined to be a mom and not share their eggs with their human handlers; but some can be fiercely determined to become a mom. How they handle the drive to be a mom, in most cases, will be determined by how you raise them. As with any other animal-friend, teaching them what is okay behavior and what is not, kindly, can be a determining factor to their motherly-temperament.

But for the most part they are incredibly easy keepers that live to forage and graze in their protected pastures. They love eating any and all bugs in their path. This makes them excellent for sharing a pasture with other animals as they will help to keep unwanted bugs-ticks, flies, etc-down. They also love to eat the grass and seeds found in a pasture, which adds more savings on the cost of feeding. Adding a small amount of grain and plenty of fresh water will top off their nutritional needs. Unless of course you’re one of those who likes to woo them with treats and then you could try some pieces of bread or popcorn. They’ll love you for those tiny treat tidbits.

So when considering what breed will work best for you in your new backyard coop, check out the Cochin chicken. Make sure that you look into all nine of their fantastic colors so you will see what a feast for the eye they are.