Cochin chickens: The gentle and gregarious backyard giants
Are you looking for a chicken breed so unusual that it astonishes family and friends? And do you also want those chickens to be funny, sweet, and sociable with your family and friends? You might just find your match with the Cochin chicken.
Cochin chickens are incredibly large, beautiful, and exotic. They’re covered with unusually soft and fluffy feathers from their heads to their toes. Yep, that’s right—even their legs and feet are fully feathered! These chickens look a bit like giant fluffballs that dodder around your backyard.
(If you are interested in the bantam [i.e., tiny] version of the Cochin breed, check out my article, The Cochin Bantam Chicken: A Sweet-Hearted Ball of Feathers with Feet.)
If you want to know for sure if Cochins are the right fit for your backyard, you’ll find the answers to all your questions here. You’ll learn:
What Cochin chickens look like in their many different colors and patterns
Cochin broodiness (do these hens have maternal instincts or not?)
Climate considerations for Cochin chickens (are they a good fit for your region?)
Cochin temperament (are they right for you and your family?)
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Cochin chicken facts
Category: Pet & meat
Origin: China
Egg-laying ability: Moderate-good
Broodiness: High
Meat production: Good
Cold tolerance: Exceptional (if dry), poor (if wet)
Heat tolerance: Poor-moderate
Predator evasion: Poor-moderate
Foraging ability: Moderate
Toleration for confinement: Good
Temperament: Docile
Aggression toward flock members: Low
Noise level: Moderate
Origin of Cochin chickens
Cochin chickens were developed from Chinese Shanghai Fowl in Britain and America during the 1800s.
Chinese Shanghai Fowl looked quite different from modern Cochins with tight feathering (similar to the modern-day New Hampshire chicken) and clean or tightly feathered legs. Modern Cochins, on the other hand, have feathering that is exceptionally fluffy and they have fully feathered legs.
American and British breeders bred the Cochins to be as fluffy as they could possibly make them, and the public went gaga over these new, sensational birds. In fact, the development of Cochins and the similar-looking breed, Brahmas, triggered the so-called “hen craze” or “hen fever.” This was a period in the 19th century when ornamental chickens became incredibly popular.
Cochins are mostly kept as ornamental breeds, either as show birds or as backyard pets. Although they are decent egg layers when they’re laying, they frequently go broody, so their overall yearly production isn’t fantastic.
Cochins have been used as meat birds in the past, but they take so long to mature, few raise them for this purpose now.
The Cochin chicken breed was once listed with a conservation status of “Watch” by The Livestock Conservancy, meaning the birds’ numbers were dangerously low. However, the Cochin’s conservation status has recently been upgraded to “Recovering.” This reflects the growing popularity of these chickens in recent years.
What do Cochin chickens look like?
“Cochins are big, round puffy chickens, masses of soft feathers creating a rounded silhouette.”
Cochin feather colors and patterns
Cochins come in several different feather colors and patterns recognized by the American Poultry Association (APA) and/or the American Bantam Association (ABA).
These are:
Barred
Birchen
Black
Black-tailed Red
Blue
Brown
Brown Red
Buff
Buff Columbian
Columbian
Golden Laced
Lemon Blue
Mottled
Partridge
Red
Silver Laced
Silver Penciled
White
Check out the videos below to see examples of Blue Cochins and Barred Cochins, respectively.
Many Cochin breeders also have flocks in other color varieties that haven’t been standardized by the APA or ABA, including Lavender, Mille Fleur, Blue Mottled, and Calico.
Some Cochins have also been bred with the “frizzle” gene which gives them frizzled feathers that curl up and out. Breeders most commonly do this in the bantam (very small) variety. Below is a video that shows a Black Bantam Cochin Frizzle chicken.
For more on Cochin Bantams, see my article, The Cochin Bantam Chicken: A Sweet-Hearted Ball of Feathers with Feet.
What is notable about the Cochin chicken’s appearance?
The most notable characteristics of Cochin chickens are:
Their large size
Their prolifically feathered bodies
Their rounded forms
Aside from being gigantic chickens, Cochins are covered in thick, soft feathers. Even their legs and feet are covered in these feathers.
Cochins have single combs that are small and rounded in hens and medium-sized in roosters. They have well-rounded wattles that are small in hens and long in roosters. Like most brown egg-laying breeds, they have red earlobes.
How big do Cochin chickens get?
Roosters: 11 lbs
Hens: 8.5 lbs
Bantam roosters: 32 oz
Bantam hens: 28 oz
Cochins are incredibly large chickens to begin with, but several of their features make them look even larger than they are. Their thick feathers, for one thing, make them look far bigger. Their thickly feathered legs, incredibly wide and rounded bodies, and their low stand add to their massive appearance.
“These are big birds and could easily compete with the Brahma for the title of ‘king of chickens.’”
If you love the look of Cochins but you don’t want such a massive bird, you may be interested in Cochin bantams. To learn more about these tiny Cochins, see my article, The Cochin Bantam Chicken: A Sweet-Hearted Ball of Feathers with Feet.
What do Cochin chicks look like?
The appearance of Cochin chicks varies depending on the variety, but all Cochin chicks are born with their legs and feet already feathered.
Below is a video that shows White Cochin chicks.
And below you can see Blue Cochin chicks.
You can see in the video below, that at only 5 weeks old, Cochin chicks already have giant, thick feathers on their legs and feet.
Cochin chicken growth
Cochin chickens are slow growers and may take up to a year and a half to reach their full sizes. This is one reason that meat producers no longer use them as meat birds. However, some homesteaders still do. Some Cochin strains also feather very slowly.
Are you getting Cochin chicks?
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Cochin chickens and egg laying
Egg color: Brown
Egg size: Large
Age of lay: 7+ months
Eggs/week: 2-4
Eggs/year: 150-200
Cochin chickens are actually very good layers when they’re laying. And the important part of that sentence is “when they’re laying.” They usually don’t lay for very many months before going broody (more on this below).
Cochin chickens are unusual in that they can still lay well for most of the winter. They also can take longer than most breeds to start laying. Many don’t lay eggs until around 8 months, and some strains may take up to a year before laying.
Broodiness: Do Cochin hens want to hatch their eggs?
Cochin hens are incredibly broody. For many chicken keepers, this may be their most negative attribute. Some have said their Cochin hens have gone broody shortly after beginning to lay at around 8 months of age.
However, if you want your birds to hatch chicks, Cochins are a great option. Not only do they love going broody, they make very attentive mothers. Below is a video that shows a Buff Cochin hen caring for several chicks:
The video below shows not one, but two Silver Laced Cochin hens taking care of one little chick together.
There’s no question about it. These hens like to be mothers. And even some roosters may brood and raise chicks! These chickens are also great for brooding eggs from other poultry species, including ducks and turkeys.
However, be aware that because Cochins are so large, they may break thin-shelled eggs.
Meat Production of Cochin Chickens
Because of their large size, Cochin birds produce a good amount of meat. Their market weight is 7-9 pounds.
The Chinese had originally developed the breed as a meat bird. However, because the birds take so long to reach their fully mature weight, they are not often used as meat birds today.
Cochin chickens also produce a larger portion of dark meat than breast meat, which is not always popular with Americans. However, you’ll still find homesteaders who eat the breasts and then use the rest of the meat in soups and stews.
Cochin chickens: An exceptionally hardy breed in dry, cool conditions
How do Cochins do in the cold and in the heat?
Cochin chickens are a tough breed. As The Livestock Conservancy puts it, Cochins “will thrive under conditions where other breeds would perish.”
However, there is one major exception: damp and wet conditions. Like all breeds with feathered feet and legs, moisture is their enemy. If your Cochins get their feet or legs wet or damp, at best they will be miserable, and at worst they will get severe frostbite. Dry conditions are an absolute must with this breed!
“With their feathered feet, they really must be kept away from muddy ground or they will become miserable.”
Below is a video of a 5-month old Cochin cockerel (i.e., young rooster) named Trousers. This bird is scratching and pecking in dry conditions, but he is a great example to show the breed’s densely feathered shanks and toes. Imagine this little guy foraging on muddy ground—his shanks and feet would become encased.
You will often read or hear about how Cochins are one of the most cold-hardy breeds out there. But this is only true if they stay dry!
Once your Cochins’ legs or toes get wet, your birds will no longer be cold hardy and will be prone to frostbite. Contrary to myths on popular chicken forums and Facebook groups, frostbite is incredibly painful for chickens, just as it would be for you.
If you are unable to keep your chickens’ feet dry in the winter, this is not the breed for you.
Cochin chickens also don’t do very well in the heat. They definitely don’t handle summers as well as your average chicken. If you live in an area that regularly has temperatures over 85 degrees, you’ll need to take extra measures to make sure your Cochins are cool enough (or consider other breeds).
To be clear, Cochins will typically survive temperatures above 85 degrees, but they will be exceptionally miserable.
Cochin chickens vs. predators
Because Cochin chickens are so large, they may fare better against some predators than most other breeds. For example, whereas hawks may readily attempt to strike your smaller chickens, they are not likely to ever bother a Cochin.
However, Cochin chickens’ dense feathering, short legs, and stocky forms prevent these chickens from being able to escape predators.
Below is a video of chickens running to their owner for treats. You can see various breeds running at decent speeds, and then you see the Cochin rooster dawdling far behind. This particular rooster, named Jules, is a Cochin Bantam, but the principle applies to larger Cochins as well.
Cochin chickens are also too large to fly—just another thing that makes them sitting ducks for predators.
Cochin chickens: Should they be confined or free ranged?
Cochin chickens do well both confined and free ranged. You will need to make sure your run is large enough that they can get some exercise as these birds are prone to obesity. And, like all chickens, Cochins prefer to have space to explore.
As mentioned above, Cochins do have a hard time escaping predation, so if you are going to free range them, make sure you can keep them safe. You also won’t be able to free range them in muddy or wet weather since this breed must stay dry. A dry, covered run is an absolute must.
Below is a video that shows Cochins and other breeds kept in a greenhouse on rainy days. The description reads, “How we provide a sheltered environment for our free-range poultry in winter and how they in turn control pests and work the soil in the greenhouse.”
Because Cochins can’t fly, they are easily confined by very low fences. Even a 2-foot tall fence will be too high for most Cochins to scale. (But you will need to make sure your fence can keep predators out.)
These birds will also need lower roosting bars than your average bird since they are unable to fly. They’ll also need larger nesting boxes. And if your pop door is very high off the ground, you’ll need to make sure you install a ramp, ladder, or steps so your Cochins can access the coop and do so without injury.
Cochins also require slightly larger pop hole doors than most breeds. Below is a video titled “What is it with Cochins?” that shows a Cochin standing in the pop door and blocking the way. The description says, “Having a big fluffy Cochin block the pop door to the coop causes ‘traffic’ jams every morning!
Do Cochin chickens forage well?
Cochin chickens love to forage, but they aren’t able to forage for a high percentage of their sustenance. Even if your Cochins are free range, you will need to provide them with feed. Because these birds are so large, they do require a lot of calories to remain healthy.
Cochin chicken temperament
The best word to describe the temperament of Cochin chickens is delightful. These chickens are calm, friendly, docile, and sweet. Cochins adore attention and can be easily handled and tamed.
The Livestock Conservancy perhaps sums it up best:
“But of all the unique characteristics of this wonderful breed of chicken there is one more that perhaps stands out above all others—personality. Cochins are noted for extremely gentle dispositions. The males reputedly seldom become aggressive… or even quarrel. They are easily tamed and may find themselves more suited to your home than your poultry yard.”
One chicken keeper advises you don’t keep Cochins if you’re not willing to interact with them. She says, the breed “needs extra attention because they enjoy being held/talked to/petted.”
How are Cochin chickens around children?
Cochin chickens are generally remarkably tame and gentle with children. They are one of the best breeds you can get for young kids.
Are Cochin roosters aggressive to people?
Cochin roosters are one of the mellowest and friendliest breeds of rooster out there. Like hens, they tend to be very social with people and very calm. An aggressive Cochin rooster is the exception, not the rule.
However, Cochin Bantam roosters are known to be feisty. For more about Cochin Bantams, check out my article, The Cochin Bantam Chicken: A Sweet-Hearted Ball of Feathers with Feet.
How well do Cochin chickens get along with other chickens?
Cochin chickens generally get along very well with other chickens. They are highly recommended for a mixed-breed flock.
Cochins are also very social animals. One chicken keeper says of hers, “They… enjoy company either from a human or another chicken.”
And another said of her Cochins, “They also get along very well with any other chicken.”
Even Cochin roosters tend to get along very well with each other.
Cochin chickens: Are they noisy?
Cochin chickens aren’t known to be noisier than the average chicken. However, because they’re so large, some may have louder voices.
Cochin roosters, like roosters of all breeds, generally do love to crow. Below is video that shows a beautiful Black Cochin rooster crowing:
Cochin chicken health problems and life expectancy
Cochin chickens tend to be pretty healthy birds if they’re kept in conditions that are dry and not too hot. However, they can be prone to obesity. You will want to keep an eye on your birds’ weights. And, of course, the more space you give these birds, the more exercise they will get.
Cochin chickens can be expected to live 5-8 years if kept in good conditions.
Breeds you may want instead of Cochins
Other giant chicken breeds
The Brahma chicken and the Langshan chicken are breeds that are similar to the Cochin breed. Also hailing from Asia, Brahmas and Langshans are incredibly large and friendly feather-legged chickens.
You may also be interested in the Jersey Giant. The Jersey Giant is, on average, the largest chicken breed. Jersey Giants do not have feathered legs and shanks, so you don’t need to worry about them as much in wet conditions.
To learn more about these breeds, check out my articles:
Other ornamental breeds
If you’re looking a for chicken breed that still has the ‘shock and awe’ factor but doesn’t go broody, you may want to consider Polish chickens. This breed is incredibly friendly as well.
And if you want an interesting-looking breed that’s cold hardy, consider Hamburgs or Appenzeller Spitzhaubens. These breeds are also more consistent egg layers than Cochins. However, they do tend to have much flightier personalities.
To learn more about these breeds, check out my articles:
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Cochin sources
Bassom, Frances. Mini Encyclopedia: Chicken Breeds and Care. Dorking: Interpet Publishing, 2011.
Damerow, Gail. Storey’s Guide to Raising Chickens. North Adams: Storey Publishing, 2017.
Damerow, Gail. The Chicken Health Handbook. North Adams: Storey Publishing, 2015.
Ekarius, Carol. Storey's Illustrated Guide to Poultry Breeds. North Adams: Storey Publishing, 2007.
Verhoef, Esther and Rijs, Aad. The Complete Encyclopedia of Chickens. Lisse: Rebo Publishers, 2005.