Large Fowl V Bantam - required conditions

[BabyBantam]

Went to the Devon Fanciers Show in Dawlish last weekend and met Andy Marshall (swoon) who was judging. Totally fell in love with the Cochins and am seriously considering the possibility of keeping 3 alongside my pekins. They are sooo lovely and not sure why they appeal more than the Orpingtons or Brahmas, but they do
My question is, does anyone else keep them and what run size / house / conditions do they require. I know they're not suitable to keep in the same ark as my lot as the upstairs, is (I believe) too small for large birds. I also presume that they need the same underfoot conditions etc as soft feathered. I need to figure if I have enough room for them before breaking my own heart :shock:

 

[chrismahon]

I can't really answer that question BabyBantam, but it may be worth contacting a Cochin breeder and looking at their setup. They are a very old breed and were used in the 'construction' of the Orpington I think?

 

[valeriebutterley]

Hi BB,
of the three large varieties you mention, I love Brahmas. A breeder gave me one to hold once as he was about to show her and he needed to do something. It was again, love at first look, she was a partridge, and one of the most stunning, calm, dignified girls I had had ever had the pleasure
of being thrust at me!
I am seriously thinking of getting a couple in the future, as Chalkhill poultry where I will buy any future layers, breed them in their pure/rare breeds category.
I collected my Croad eggs yesterday from the breeder, and they are turning now.
I think if hens are pets, and treated as such, they will be happy with most of the conditions they have. My bantams are kept confined for instance, but do get an awful lot of full garden time.
Last Monday evening I lost my Indi - blue Indian (Cornish) game to the fox, turned my back for a second, but he must have been watching and waiting,
not a sound, just a pile of Indi's feathers, hope she put up a fight, I so miss her, she was such a character.

 

[Marigold]

Oh dear, Valerie, so sorry to hear about Indi. You must have a really cunning and determined fox living near you. A good thing you were around, or he might have got more.

 

[BabyBantam]

Thats really sad Valerie Be careful he doesnt come back.

 

[MrsBiscuit]

Cochins would need similar conditions to other Large Fowl Soft Feather Heavy. They need enough space in the house and run. Perches should be low as jumping down from heights can injure their legs (given the body weight!) or you can even do without. They will bear confinement reasonably well (eg if you don't free range them) but don't overcrowd them. Try your best to stop them getting too wet and make sure the house is well ventilated. This is important for all chooks but especially those with a profusion of feather - it takes an age to dry thoroughly, and a damp bird going to roost is more likely to catch/spread respiratory infection.

 

[valeriebutterley]

BB and Marigold, thanks for the sympathy, I must admit to tears, Indi was always at the door waiting for me to appear should I go back into the house, and so beautiful, with pure gold and blue laced feathers, she charged anything with feathers, full on head down, but never took an unkind bite, except at Boris, the cat once or twice.