Red Cochin Bantam

Red Cochin Bantam Chicken

The Cochin Bantam, affectionately known as the "fluffy" chicken, gives a grand appearance despite its small size. Originally from 1800s China, these feather-legged birds make wonderful backyard pets with their friendly and gentle nature. Cochin Bantams are especially known for being excellent brooding mothers, making them perfect for hatching and raising chicks.

While most are easily tamed, some roosters can be a bit feisty. Due to their dense feathering, they need extra care in extreme weather: in cold, they are prone to frostbite when wet, so applying a bit of petroleum jelly is recommended. In hot weather, they can easily overheat, so providing plenty of shade is essential. Egg-laying varies by color, with Red Cochins being particularly good layers.

Looking to add beautiful, tame chickens to your flock? At Chicken Coop Company, we offer a variety of Cochin Bantams, including the stunning Red Cochin Bantam with its rich red feathers covering its body, legs, and feet. Known for their calm demeanor and natural brooding skills, Red Cochin Bantams are perfect as both pets and productive hens. Place your order with Chicken Coop Company today, and feel free to reach out if you need more information!

Health and Care:

• Hardy and Resilient: The Red Cochin Bantam is a hardy breed that adapts well to a variety of climates. Their dense feathering provides good insulation during cold weather, making them well-suited for colder climates. However, in hotter climates, they may be more susceptible to overheating, so it is important to provide shade, plenty of fresh water, and good ventilation during warmer months.

• Disease Resistance: Cochin Bantams, including the Red Cochin Bantam, are generally healthy and disease-resistant. However, their thick feathers can make them more prone to external parasites, such as mites and lice, especially around their feathered legs. Regular grooming, feather inspections, and maintaining a clean living environment will help keep them healthy.

• Low Maintenance: These bantams are relatively low-maintenance. They require a balanced diet, fresh water, and a clean, dry living space. Their fluffy plumage does require occasional grooming to prevent dirt buildup, but they are generally undemanding and easy to care for.

Egg Laying:

• Moderate Egg Production: The Red Cochin Bantam is not primarily bred for egg production, but they do produce small brown eggs reliably. Typically, they lay about 100-150 eggs per year. While not as prolific as some other breeds, their consistent egg production makes them a great choice for personal use or small households.

• Seasonal Laying: Like many chickens, egg production will slow during the winter months when daylight hours are shorter. However, with supplemental lighting in the coop, egg production can continue through the winter, though at a reduced rate.

• Small Brown Eggs: The eggs they produce are small, brown, and of good quality. While they may not be as large as the eggs from other breeds, they are ideal for home use or small households.

Temperament:

• Docile and Friendly: One of the most attractive qualities of the Red Cochin Bantam is its gentle, calm, and affectionate temperament. These chickens are known for being very friendly and easy to handle, making them an excellent choice for families, children, and first-time poultry keepers. Their calm demeanor means they are not easily stressed or startled.

• Sociable: The Red Cochin Bantam is a sociable bird and gets along well with other chickens. They are generally peaceful and non-aggressive, making them ideal for mixed-flock settings. They are not known for being territorial or combative, so they tend to coexist harmoniously with other breeds.

• Less Active: The Red Cochin Bantam is a more laid-back breed compared to others. They are not as active as some other chickens and prefer a slower pace of life. They are happy to roam in a secure area but are not great foragers or runners. Their content nature makes them well-suited for small spaces or confined areas.

Appearance:

• Stunning Red Plumage: The Red Cochin Bantam is most famous for its vibrant red feathers. The color can range from a warm chestnut to a more deep mahogany red, giving the bird a rich, striking appearance. Their plumage is dense, soft, and fluffy, making them stand out in any flock.

• Fluffy, Round Body: One of the most defining characteristics of the Red Cochin Bantam is its fluffy, round body. Their thick feathering, particularly around the body and legs, gives them a soft and full appearance. This round shape makes them look larger than they actually are, adding to their charm and appeal.

• Medium Build: The Red Cochin Bantam is a medium-sized bantam, with hens typically weighing around 1-1.5 pounds and roosters around 1.5-2 pounds. Despite their small size, their thick feathers give them a fuller, rounder appearance than they would have without the dense plumage.

• Feathered Legs and Feet: Like other Cochin bantams, the Red Cochin Bantam has feathered legs and feet. This adds to their fluffy, charming look and is one of the breed's most recognizable traits. The feathers on their legs should be kept clean, especially in wet or muddy conditions, to prevent dirt accumulation.

• Small Comb and Wattles: The Red Cochin Bantam has a small, single comb that is typically red and small wattles. These features are proportionate to their small size and add a gentle touch to their overall appearance. Their comb and wattles do not overpower their facial features, contributing to their delicate look.

• Bright Eyes and Gentle Expression: The Red Cochin Bantam has bright, expressive eyes, and their gentle expression reflects their calm and friendly nature. Their alertness adds to their overall charm, even if they are not as energetic as other breeds.

What is a Cochin Bantam?
A small, fluffy chicken breed with feathered legs and a friendly personality, originally from China.

Are Cochin Bantams good for families?
Yes, they are very gentle and easily tamed, making them ideal for families.

How do Cochin Bantams handle cold weather?
They are sensitive to cold when wet, so petroleum jelly on combs and providing shelter helps prevent frostbite.

Do Cochin Bantams need special care in hot weather?
Yes, they can overheat easily due to their dense feathering, so they need plenty of shade in hot weather.

Are Red Cochin Bantams good layers?
Yes, Red Cochins are known to be good layers among the Cochin Bantam varieties.

Red Cochin Bantam Facts