Blue Cochin Chicken

Physical Description

Cochin chickens have a stocky body, enhanced by their feathers, and a short tail. Both the legs and feet are feathered as well. Cochins come in a variety of colors including: white, black, blue, and shades of brownish-gold. The average weight of the cochin chicken is 7-9 pounds, but males can grow up to 12 pounds. They have short wings that are not well adapted for flying.

Predators

Predators include coyotes, foxes, bobcats, weasels, birds of prey, racoons, opossums, skunks, and snakes.

Lifespan

Chickens can live up to 10 years.

Reproduction

Chickens are diurnal, social animals, with one rooster and several hens making up a flock. Nests are made on the ground and females incubate using a bare patch of skin on her chest that develops when brooding. Each clutch can yield up to a dozen egg. These eggs can incubate for up to a month before hatching.

Fun Facts

• While only the males have a comb and waddle, both males and females can grow sharp spurs on the inside of legs.
• Compared to other chickens Cochin are quiet, rarely heard crowing or clucking.

Conservation Messaging

Goats as well as barnyard animals are commonly kept as pets on farms and ranches. It is always best to do your research before moving forward with purchasing any livestock. These animals require different needs from say your dog or cat.

For instance, most livestock animals are herd animals so having one is not an acceptable option. As always, every animal has individual needs that must be met in order to provide the best possible welfare which means you will need a veterinarian that specializes in hoofstock.