Description
Black Cochin Standard Chicken
Breed History and Origin
Cackle Hatchery® is proud to offer the Black Cochin Standard, one of the many color varieties of standard Cochin chickens available. This unique poultry breed first arrived in the United States around 1845 and traces back to the Chinese Shanghai Fowl. The breed name “Cochin” reflects its historical import origins rather than its true geographic background. The Black Cochin was recognized by the American Standard of Perfection in 1874 within the Asiatic Class. Cackle Hatchery® Poultry Breeding Farm has been developing its bloodline of standard size Cochin chickens since 1975, with additional improvements made using new bloodlines introduced in 2009.
Appearance and Breed Characteristics
Black Cochin chickens are known for their deep, rich black plumage and heavily feathered bodies, including feathered legs and feet. Their full, rounded appearance and soft feathering give them a distinctive ornamental look. Mature hens typically weigh about 8½ pounds, while roosters average around 11 pounds. Pullets generally weigh about 7 pounds, and cockerels about 9 pounds, making them a large and impressive breed. Their gentle disposition and striking appearance make them a popular choice for both exhibition and backyard flocks.
Egg Production and Performance
Black Cochin hens lay brown eggs that range from medium to large in size. Egg production is moderate, with hens typically producing 110–160 eggs per year depending on flock management and environmental conditions. While not a high-production breed, they contribute consistently to small farm and backyard egg needs.
Temperament and Flock Suitability
This breed is known for its docile and friendly temperament, making it an excellent choice for families and flocks that include children. Cochins are also well known for their strong broody instincts and are excellent setters, often used for hatching and raising chicks. Fertility percentages generally range between 40–55%, with a recommended mating ratio of six females to one male. They prefer lower roosting heights, typically between 0 to 2 feet, due to their heavier body type.
Newbie Notes and Feather Development
Young Black Cochin chicks may display some white feathers during their first and second stages of feathering, which is normal. By approximately six months of age, they typically develop the solid black plumage that defines the breed.
Exhibition and Breed Use
Black Cochin chickens are valued as an ornamental and exhibition breed, but they can also serve as a secondary meat source due to their large size. Their calm nature and broody tendencies make them especially useful for backyard poultry keepers looking for a reliable and gentle breed.
Customers interested in a smaller version of this breed may also like the Black Cochin Bantam Chicken https://www.cacklehatchery.com/product/black-cochin-bantam/
You may also like Cochin Standard Surplus Special https://www.cacklehatchery.com/product/standard-cochin-surplus-special/
Black Cochin Standard Chicken FAQs
What color eggs do Black Cochin chickens lay? They lay brown eggs that are typically medium to large in size.
How many eggs do Black Cochin chickens lay per year? They generally produce 110–160 eggs annually depending on care and environment.
Are Black Cochin chickens good with children? Yes. They are known for their docile and friendly temperament.
Are Black Cochin chickens broody? Yes. They are strong setters and are commonly used to hatch and raise chicks.
Availability
Available Low Availability Unavailable
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nlamb77 –
I received my 4 black Cochins August 8th. I lost one (failure to thrive), and had to monitor the others for pasty butt for the first two weeks, but they are now 11 weeks old and doing great! I can’t wait to see them grow up and start laying. They are very docile! I would absolutely order more, and plan to order some more varieties of standard Cochin next season!
timmym59 –
We ordered 4 colors of the standard cochins and are very happy with our purchase. They were a wee bit more sensitive than most chicks we raise. First couple weeks I had to keep a eye out for pasty butt. Which could be the feed but they recieved 1oz to a gallon water, apple cider vinegar with mother which normally means smooth sailing. 2 months old now and quite happy. Lost 1 the day of arrival and 1 last week to a snake who couldn’t swallow it.
With the extras sent we’re still up by 3. If your looking for a personable flock of birds or walking sqarcking incubators these are your birds 👍👍.
Kasey –
Big & Beautiful
I purchased some Black Cochin chicks earlier in the year and their beauty once mature exceeded my expectations. These birds are enormous, have beautiful plumage, docile temperament, and are good layers.
Holly –
Cochins rock
I love the breed. So take and really beautiful. At 6 months already eggs. They are smart and come running when they see me
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Sheri –
Lovely LF Black Fluffy Girls
When I purchased the large, black Cochins, u was hoping to add some “broody” hens to my flick. At first I was a bit concerned because as chicks and pullets, the had a tendency to pick at my other chicks. However, as they matured, they calmed right down and are quite docile and gentle. Beautiful, iridescent black feathers, fluffy, feathered legs and feet. I am very happy with these girls!
Johnny –
Beautiful Bird
This is a very good bread to have around the yard very Calm and they are very people friendly. Only draw back to them is the develop very slowly compared to other breeds…Recommend keeping separate from other breeds. I am very please with them.
Adena –
Love my fluffy hens
They have to be very carefully protected, I lost many to a raccoon one night. And I had mine on my carport! Moved to the barn, they just bloomed into the most beautiful feathered ladies. I am ordering more this year, so I can get a rooster to keep for them. When they run, they look like little sumo wrestlers! Hilarious! Not as friendly as I would like, but they will come to food and I don’t mind since they lay eggs consistently in the henhouse (not the bushes)!
Lori North Carolina February 2015 –
You Rock!!
A few weeks ago I placed an order with some of your competition. They shipped 20 babies without a heat pack and all 20 arrived sadly dead. Of course they offered to replace them, so I have more coming next week. But I also ordered 20 babies from you and Yay!!! all of them got here in good condition and very healthy. You have my business, forever and ever!!! Never again will i order from other hatcheries. Chickie love to you!
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!