Even fluffier than my Pearl, are this pair of Cochins, as illustrated in the Biggle Poultry Book from 1895.
I
In 1849 a ship arrived in England with six Cochins. They caused a sensation. Soon after, America also received their first breeding stock and soon Cochins were found at poultry shows and in flocks of the well-to-do. They’ve never been the most practical of birds to keep, although their persistent broodiness was a welcome trait in the days before the invention of the brooder. I’m hoping that Pearl will go broody in a couple of weeks, so that I can put my new chicks under her. Topaz, my Orpington (also a fluffy-feathered old breed) is already showing signs of wanting to sit on a next of eggs. Which hen will it be? The Cochin, the Orpington, or both? You never know.
With as many as you are ordering, their is more both decide to go broody.
Does weather play a factor in broodiness?
Not that I know of. Daylight hours do.
The Cochin for sure! I remember last year when almost all five of mine were crowded in one nesting box…If they were not so cute I would have been mad…..I have customers who buy just the little eggs!
If both Pearl and Topaz were to go broody at the same time would you be able to keep both in the same enclosure while brooding chicks? Would one try to take the chicks from the other? I think you mentioned that Pearl and Topaz were broody at the same time last year but there were no baby chicks.
It’s best to keep broodies separate as they will steal, and or kill, other hen’s chicks. With 25 chicks coming the best thing for me to do, with the space (and predators) that I have, is to set up a brooder with a heat lamp. You’ll see it soon!