Are you looking for something to spice up your flock? Frizzle Cochins might just be the breed for you! While they aren’t the typical chickens to have in your backyard, they are special for many chicken owners for their distinctive appearance and friendly nature.
The Frizzle Cochins is a special category of the Cochin breed due to the frizzled feathers that grow outwards from their bodies rather than their smoother and flatter counterparts. They are also decent egg layers, so you get a two-for-one deal with getting eggs and having a unique chicken to add to your flock!
Apart from their appearance, Frizzle Cochins are also known to be gentle and well-behaved, making them very easy to handle. Their only drawback is not being able to handle colder weather because their feathers curl out rather than laying flat against the body.
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Frizzle Cochins
The beginnings of Frizzle Cochins are somewhat hard to trace, as there isn’t a confirmed answer as to where they first originated. However, many believe they were first spotted somewhere in Asia, maybe even as far back as the 1600s.
The Cochin breed in particular is also a mystery, with sightings in both Asia and Europe. However, in 1845, they made their way to Europe and the U.S. officially and were deemed discovered. This breed was originally called “Shanghai chickens,” but over time it was proven that they didn’t stem from Shanghai, and the name was changed to Cochin.
What we do know is that the Frizzle Cochin breed came about through genetic mutations that caused their feathers to differ and make a more fluffy and messy look. By the 1800s Frizzle Cochins were well-known in countries such as Europe and the United States. They were even recognized by the APA (American Poultry Association) in 1874.
Frizzled Cochin Characteristics
As mentioned previously, their feather type is of a more frazzled appearance, with feathers curling outward rather than laying flat. They have a round and plump body of an average adult Cochin chicken, with long wings, and large, broad tails.
They can be different sizes depending on if you get a regular Frizzled Cochin or if you get the smaller-sized Frizzle Cochin Bantam. However, despite their size, they are still the cute and fluffy-looking breed we know and love.
Frizzled Cochins have a single red comb on their head, and their feathers can come in a variety of colors, including white, black, blue, or buff (which is a yellowish-orange color).
Their weight averages about 5 to 9 pounds for an adult. Hens are usually smaller, about 5 to 6 pounds, while roosters more often reach 7 to 9 pounds. So, it’s the perfect weight to pick up and cuddle.
Frizzle Cochin’s are also known for their calm temperament. These chickens enjoy spending time with you, and they are a special fan favorite of children as well because of their looks! You also don’t have to worry about them getting over your fences, as due to their frizzled feathers, flying any distance is difficult. They are perfectly content chilling on the ground and living their lives in your flock.
If you’re looking for more active birds, Frizzle Cochins are happy foraging in free-range areas, or in smaller areas as well. They don’t like to bore you with talk, so they are relativity quieter birds, so keeping them in your backyard won’t insight your neighbor’s wrath to make a call about the noise…hopefully!
Frizzle Cochin Care
Frizzle Cochins don’t require special diets, so typical layer feeds will work for your hens! It is also important to ensure that they have access to clean water at all times. This will help maintain their health with minimal issues and keep your Frizzle Cochin happy roaming around their area.
Frizzle Cochins are generally healthy birds, but they can be prone to certain health conditions if not taken care of properly. To prevent some issues from arising, it is important to keep their coop clean and dry to prevent the buildup of bacteria.
It’s especially important in the winter to make sure it’s not muddy or wet as Frizzle Cochins don’t do well in colder weather because their feathers are not as insulating as feathers that lie flat on the body. Mud can be a problem on their feathered feet.
Checking regularly for signs of parasites or infections helps as well to ensure your Frizzle stays healthy and productive. External parasites can include lice or mites, and they can have worms that are unique to chickens. Chicken parasites are species-specific, so your family and other pets are not at risk of getting them if your chickens are infected.
If your Frizzle Cochin becomes sick, it is important to seek veterinary care as soon as possible, although finding a chicken vet can be challenging in most areas.
Breeding
Breeding Frizzle Cochins is a rewarding and fun experience, but you have to be careful about what chickens you breed them with. Unlike other breeds, Frizzle Cochin’s mutation makes it difficult for them to breed with each other. It’s like putting water on a grease fire, it makes the Frizzle feather gene worse and can even cause some issues for the chicken’s health if they get the gene from both parents. So to avoid this, breeding Frizzle Cochins with other smooth feathered breeds is recommended.
If you are breeding casually or if you are breeding professionally, it’s important to consider temperament, feather coloring, and egg-laying abilities as well. Frizzle Cochins lay about 120 to 180 medium-sized, cream or tan eggs per year.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Frizzle Cochin Bantam?
A Frizzle Cochin Bantam is a smaller version of the Frizzle Cochins. Much like Frizzle being a feathering trait rather than the breed, Bantam describes the size of the chicken. They have similar traits and care as the Frizzle Cochin, so you don’t have to worry about changing everything for these smaller chickens.
If you are looking for a cute pet, the Frizzle Cochin Bantam is the way to go.
Where can I find Frizzle Cochin Bantams for sale?
Frizzle Cochin Bantams can be found for sale through breeders, hatcheries, and online marketplaces. They usually go for decent prices as while they are unique-looking, they aren’t insanely popular compared to some other breeds. However, it is important to do research and buy from a reputable source to ensure you are getting happy and healthy chickens!
Want to learn about raising chickens? This Beginner’s Guide to Raising Chickens (+Pro Tips) will help you ask yourself all the right questions, and it will also give you a realistic idea of what to expect as a chicken owner.
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