Description
Buff Cochin Standard Chicken
Breed History and Origin
At Cackle Hatchery® we strive to give our customers a wide range of options when it comes to our poultry breeds. That is why we offer several different types of standard size Cochin, including the Buff Cochin Standard. Originating from Asia and introduced to America in the 1800s, Cochins quickly became known for their size and gentle nature, with the Buff variety being one of the most recognized color types. Cackle Hatchery® Poultry Breeding Farm has been developing its bloodline or strain of standard size Cochin chickens since 1975, and we improved our flock in 2009 by adding Roland Doerr bloodline to maintain size and vigor.
Appearance and Breed Characteristics
The Buff Cochin Standard is notable for its large size, soft fluffy feathering, and heavily feathered legs and feet. This variety features a rich buff coloration across its full, rounded body, giving it a classic and highly recognizable appearance. Mature hens typically weigh around 8½ pounds, while roosters average about 11 pounds, with pullets around 7 pounds and cockerels about 9 pounds.
Egg Production and Broodiness
This breed lays brown eggs that are typically medium to large in size, producing approximately 110 to 160 eggs per year depending on care and environment. While not a high-production layer, the Buff Cochin Standard is well known for broodiness and excels at raising chicks, making it a valuable addition to backyard flocks needing a reliable setter hen.
Temperament and Backyard Suitability
The Buff Cochin Standard is known for its docile temperament and gentle disposition, making it a strong choice for backyard flocks and families with children. Their calm nature and size make them easy to manage, though they do best with low roost heights of 0 to 2 feet and clean, dry conditions to maintain feather quality. Fertility percentages generally range between 40 to 55 percent, with a recommended mating ratio of 6 females to 1 male.
Production Positioning and Exhibition Use
This is an ornamental and meat-type exhibition bird rather than a true production breed. The Buff Cochin Standard is best suited for show, backyard enjoyment, and broody hen use rather than maximum egg output. Customers looking for a smaller version may also like the Buff Cochin Bantam Chicken https://www.cacklehatchery.com/product/buff-cochin-bantam/ , and for value options see Cochin Standard Surplus Special https://www.cacklehatchery.com/product/standard-cochin-surplus-special/ .
Color and Molting Note
Buff Cochins can molt into a lighter buff or almost white feathering as they grow new feathers, though the color may return over time, and maintaining consistent buff coloration can be challenging.
Buff Cochin Standard Chicken FAQs
Are Buff Cochin Standard chickens good egg layers? They are moderate layers producing about 110 to 160 brown eggs per year, but are better known for broodiness and ornamental value.
Are Buff Cochin chickens good for families? Yes. Their docile and gentle temperament makes them ideal for backyard flocks and children.
Do Buff Cochin chickens go broody? Yes. They are excellent setter hens and commonly used for hatching chicks.
Why does the buff color change? Buff Cochins can lighten during molting and may return to a deeper color over time.
What is the difference between standard and bantam Cochins? Standard Cochins are much larger, while bantams are a miniature version of the same breed.
Availability
Available Low Availability Unavailable
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Rachel Huyser –
Love these big, fluffy chickens! They all survived and are doing great! Very quiet birds, not overly friendly but do hang around people at a distance. Very happy with them!
Megan Radtke –
I ordered 3 silver, 3 golden and 3 buff cochin. I received 4 silver, 4 golden, and 3 buff which was great except I ended up with only 1 hen (golden) out of the 11 received!!! I’m incredibly disappointed. For the most part all were healthy except one buff but they still all have survived to 16 weeks. Most were pretty chill except the silvers. They have been absolute jerks from the start. Would’ve been happier if the hen to roo ratio was better.
mw4550 –
I ordered from Cackle Hatchery because I ordered a number of chicks from them 40 years ago & was very pleased with all the babies I received. This time, I ordered 10 buff cochins & 10 laced cochins. I received a total of 22 babies, all of which were healthy & frisky! In the parking lot of the post office, I transferred them into a larger box dipping each of their beaks into water so they would learn to drink. I gave them chick starter food & then drove them home. My (wonderful) husband had constructed a 3′ x 4′ brooder box for them which he had put on wheels. I put them in this (pine shavings on the bottom) gave them larger containers of food & water, turned on their ceramic heat lamps, and watched them eat, drink, and zip around for a while until they all fell asleep. That was 2 1/2 weeks ago. All are doing great and rapidly outgrowing their box. Thank you very much, Cackle Hatchery!
Chickenkeeper –
Nice Birds
The buff cochin “chicks” are 9 months old now and surpassed my expectations for hatchery chicks. I ordered 15, received 16, and lost one the next day. They are an impressive size and very gentle and calm. No way are any of them show quality, but each individual has some element that is excellent and by careful breeding I think I can work them into something very nice. If you aren’t judging them by show standards they are beautiful hardy chickens and I will probably order more. Quite impressive when they come running out of their coop in the morning in a bunch.
Hollie V –
Hello
The standard Buff Cochin chicks I ordered came on the date I requested and arrived in good condition. they have grown to be large healthy birds of good quality and temperament. I would order from Cackle again and certainly recommend them.
Julie Missouri Aug 2015 –
Thank You
Thank you for our order of chicks, as always they came fine and healthy. We appreciate all your advise and kindness.
Mark Ohio March 2014 –
Thanks Guys! Excellent Order
100% live arrival when I picked up this morning at Post Office. It’s been many years since I ordered from you , from the looks of today’s chicks that won’t happen again. Excellent chicks, strong solid bodies, vitality and good crest on. One jumped into the brooder to drink before I even had a second to dip its beak. Never have I had that before even in ones I hatch.
Teresa Virginia July 2014 –
Thank You!
A special thank you to all your staff that sent the most beautiful baby chicks. Will be ordering more in the future, Thanks again!