Black Frizzled Cochin Bantam

BLACK FRIZZLED (FS) COCHIN BANTAM

ORIGINALLY FROM CHINA KNOWN AS THE SHANGHAI, THEN AS COCHIN-CHINAS. BROUGHT TO EUROPE & THE AMERICAS IN THE 1800’S. A BANTAM IS A SMALLER VERSION OF ITS LARGER FOWL WITH LOTS OF PLUMAGE FROM HEAD TO TOES MAKES THEM PERFECT SHOW-EXHIBITION. 

The American Poultry Association Standard of Perfection recognizes several Cochin colors: Buff, Partridge, White, Black, Silver Laced, Golden Laced, Blue, Brown, and Barred. Cochins are inclined to become too fat which can stop egg production and even liver disorder or death. 

Cochin hens are broody and hatch more than one batch per year. Even roosters will occasionally brood the chicks. They are considered the best fowls for hatching and brooding ducks and turkeys as long as they do not sit on thin-shelled eggs.

They don’t fly much, and they require low roost perching. Cochins are well known for their extremely gentle dispositions. Males rarely become aggressive or quarrel (although this is not as true in the Bantam version of the breed). They’re easily tamed, they do not wander off, nor scratch as much as other breeds and may find themselves more suited to your patio or house than your back yard.  A fence two feet tall will keep them contained and they accept confinement without a problem. Cochins, even under adverse conditions, immediately set out to make themselves comfortable. Cochins are a good breed for those looking for animpressive chicken that has a docile, gentle disposition. Ideal flock-mates are other non-assertive breeds.

Frizzled Feathering: It is not a breed, but a variety within breeds. Any breed of chicken may be frizzled, however it is most found in breeds such as the Cochin, Pekin, and Polish. The gene which causes the frizzle feathering is an incomplete dominant trait. It is when the feathers curl up vs laying smooth against the body. Frizzled birds are heterozygous for the gene; when two are bred, the offspring inherit the gene in the ratio of 50% are heterozygous and frizzled, 25% have normal feathering, and 25% are "over-frizzled", with brittle feathers which can be dangerous for the chicken as they break off easily and leave many almost naked looking. These frizzled chicks are hatched at a 50/50% ratio to avoid the over frizzled.  Due to the FS Mutation Gene producing defective feathers, the frizzle allele can also lead to abnormal body temperatures, higher metabolic, resulting in difficulty to tolerate extreme temperatures of too cold or too hot.

Babies have no frizzle, some may mature to frizzle, while others are smooth and will not breed true. If frizzled, it begins to appear at 3 weeks of age.

NOTE: They need ample shade and plenty of water when living in our sourthern environments and should not be kept in muddy wet areas due to their feathered feet and toes. They make a beautiful show exhibit.

LIVESTOCK CONSERVANCY STATUS: RECOVERING

Friendly, Docile, Calm, Pet, Gentle Great Brooder Moms, Non Flighty, Non Aggressive