Assorted Cochin
First known as Chinese Shanghai Fowl, Cochins first came to America in 1845. They were originally known for their prolific production of brown eggs, but selection was later directed towards the production of fowl and roaster meat. Today, since other breeds are more efficient meat producers, they are primarily kept for their unique appearance. Silver Laced Cochin chicks are black with white streaks down the back and white or light yellow on the wing tips, legs and toes. They have single combs and feathered feet and legs. Adult males have silver plumage laced with black on the head, saddle, wing coverts, front neck, body, breast and thigh; while the hackles, wing fronts and primaries are black laced with silver. Females have a silvery gray head and necks that are black with white lacing. The front of the neck, breast, back body, lower thighs and feather on the shanks and toes have white webbed feathers with greenish black lacing. Cochins have a notably large body, with soft and loose feathers that accentuate their size.