Cochins and Brahmas

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Hi I have recently bought in a trio of 16 week old buff Cochins. It is not obvious which one is the cockeral - I think I know, but they are so alike it is hard to tell - any pointers please. Also do Cochins cockerals get on with Brahma cockerals as I have recently hatched 6 Brahma chicks and at least one of them will be a cockeral. I also have 4 pekin cockerals but have never had a problem with them. All my chickens are free range and I have many hens so the competition for mating should not be a problem. Many thanks Shirley
 
Hi Shirley,

Firstly, I don't keep Cochins or Brahmas - so I'm not an expert on them by any means.

The Buff Cochin cockerel should have a larger comb and wattles than the hens - being a larger fowl, they are slow to mature, much like some of the orpingtons and will take 24-26 weeks to mature fully.

It should slowly become clearer which one the male is and he should of course given time start to crow. He may be attempting a small crow already from time to time and if you see this, you can then ring him do you know who he is.

With regard to mixing Cockerels, it is a difficult question. Very few breeds will mix easily (unlike the Kraiencoppe which strangley can have several cocks in a pen).

Usually though if male birds are brought up together (and are not from a game / fighting breed), have enough space and enough hens, there is a chance they will tolerate one another but may have the odd tussle. In the spring, things may get more difficult though as they start to compete.

Then again, sometimes, cockerels will not get on at all.... It's 'suck it and see' really.

Here is a photo of a male Buff Cochin that won Best Cochin at the National a couple of years ago.

I hope this helps...

Tim
 
Thanks Tim - sorry I have not replied before but computer was poorly!!!!

Well they are now 17 weeks old and I am still none the wiser!!!! I was sold 1 cockeral and 2 pullets, but they all look the same to me. 2 have yellow legs and one has white legs - could he be the cockeral? He has got tail feathers coming but no more than the other 2 - I am totally confused. The combs and wattles look just the same!! I did not get them from a breeder as such - I got them from a couple, who like me, loves chickens and dabbles in breeding. I shall try and get some pictures but I am not computer literate and I dont know how to put them on the website. If he is a cockeral when can I expect him to crow. I have bantam Penkins and I can usually sort out the hens from cockerals at an early age, but I have never had Cochin or Brahmas experience before (I have 6 Brahma chicks 3 weeks old) Thanks again Tim - you seem very knowledgeable and any advice would be a great help.
 
It might help if you can show us a couple of snap shots - although if you already have Pekin Bantams, you probably know what to look for :lol: So maybe we might not be able to tell!

You need to reduce the size of your photos first - 500 pixels wide should fit the forum 'width', then to upload them, select the 'upload attachment' tab when you are posting. Select Browse and add the reduced size photo. Select "Add the File" and you should then be able to go to the place you want the photo in your post and select 'place inline'. This should drop the photo into the right place in your post.

Go to 'preview' and see what your post will look like.

Hope this helps.

Tim
 
Thanks Tim - I will have a go - cant promise I will get it right though!!!! LOL
Regards Shirley
 
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