Barred Cochin Standard Chicken

Barred Cochin Standard Chicken

The Barred Cochin Standard chicken is a rare and highly sought-after breed known for its distinctive feathering and large size. These gentle giants are perfect for families, as their calm temperament makes them ideal for children and farm life. With unique feathered legs and a striking barred pattern, this breed stands out for both its beauty and its personality.

This particular color variant of the Cochin is hard to find, with only a few breeders across the USA specializing in it. The Chicken Coop Company has continued to enhance their flock by incorporating select breeding lines, including the renowned Roland Doerr bloodline, ensuring top-quality birds ideal for show and exhibition purposes. Whether you're looking for an excellent show bird or a friendly farm companion, the Barred Cochin Standard chicken is an exceptional choice.

Health and Care:

• Hardy and Resilient: The Barred Cochin is a hardy bird that can adapt well to various climates. Its dense feathering helps keep it warm in cold temperatures, though it can be prone to heat stress in hot climates due to its thick plumage. In warmer climates, it’s important to ensure that they have access to shade and plenty of fresh water.
  
  
• Disease Resistance: Cochins, including the Barred Cochin, are generally disease-resistant and robust. However, they can still be susceptible to common poultry diseases like mites, lice, and respiratory infections if their living conditions aren’t maintained properly. Regular coop cleaning, access to fresh water, and a nutritious diet are key to keeping them healthy.
  
  
• Feather Care: Due to their feathered legs and dense plumage, Barred Cochins require regular grooming, especially around their legs and feet. This prevents dirt and debris from accumulating and keeps their feathers from becoming matted or dirty. Regular maintenance is essential to ensure their comfort and health.
  
  

Egg Laying:

• Moderate Egg Production: Barred Cochins are considered moderate layers of large brown eggs. They typically produce around 180-220 eggs per year. Their egg production is reliable, though they may not be as prolific as some other breeds that are specifically bred for egg production.
  
  
• Seasonal Laying: Like many chicken breeds, Barred Cochins may experience a decrease in egg production during the winter months due to shorter daylight hours. However, with supplemental lighting in the coop, egg production can continue throughout the year.
  
  
• Large Brown Eggs: The eggs they lay are medium to large and brown in color. These eggs are well-suited for both home kitchens and small-scale egg production.
  
  

Temperament:

• Gentle and Friendly: Barred Cochins are known for their calm, docile, and friendly temperament. They are very gentle and easy to handle, making them a great choice for families, children, and first-time chicken keepers. Their peaceful demeanor makes them ideal for a relaxed environment.
  
  
• Sociable: These chickens are typically social and get along well with other chickens. They are not particularly aggressive and tend to be peaceful in a mixed-flock setting. Barred Cochins are also tolerant of human interaction and enjoy being handled, making them excellent pets or farm animals.
  
  
• Low Energy and Calm: Barred Cochins are generally low-energy and enjoy a calm environment. They are not as active or flighty as some other chicken breeds, so they are well-suited for smaller spaces or backyard flocks. However, they enjoy foraging and scratching around for food if given the chance.
  
  

Appearance:

• Striking Barred Plumage: The most notable feature of the Barred Cochin is its beautiful, barred plumage. The alternating black and white stripes give the bird a striking, eye-catching appearance. The black lacing on the edges of each feather creates a classic pattern that is both elegant and visually distinctive.
  
  
• Large, Stocky Build: Barred Cochins are a large breed with hens typically weighing around 8-9 pounds and roosters around 10-12 pounds. Despite their large size, they are friendly and manageable, making them a good choice for those who want a bird with a large, impressive presence that is still easy to care for.
  
  
• Feathered Legs and Feet: Like all Cochins, the Barred variety has feathered legs and feet, which contribute to its unique and ornamental appearance. These feathers help protect their legs from cold ground in winter, but they do require regular maintenance to prevent dirt buildup.
  
  
• Single Comb and Wattles: Barred Cochins have a single comb, which is medium-sized and upright. Their red wattles and earlobes stand out against their bold plumage, adding contrast and completing their attractive appearance.

• Poultry Show Class: Asiatic Class
  
• Weights – Hen—–8 1/2 lbs
  Rooster——11 lbs
  Pullet—7 lbs
  Cockerel—-9 lbs
  
• Purpose and Type – Ornamental and meat; Exhibition
  
• Egg Shell Color – Brown
  
• Egg Production – 110-160 eggs per year (Estimates only)
  
• Egg Size: Medium-Large
  
• Temperament: Docile
  
• Fertility Percentage: 40-55%
  
• Broody: Setter
  
• Mating Ratio: 6 Females to 1 Male
  
• Roost Height: 0 to 2 feet
  
• Country of Origin – Asia
  
• APA: Yes, Recognized by the American Standard of Perfection in 1982.
  
• TLC: Recovering Status, Considered a sustainable heritage chicken breed
  
• Breeder Farm Source: Poultry Breeding Farm developing our bloodline or strain of pure color varieties of standard size Cochin chickens since 1975.