14 
COCHINS. 
The four varieties of Cochins are very popular with breeders. They 
are second to the Brahmas in the meat breeds, weighing but a pound 
lighter than the Light Brahma. Old and experienced breeders of 
Cochins are pronounced in praise of their qualities as profitable fowls. 
They are hardy, good winter layers of rich, brown, medium-sized eggs, 
and fairly good table fowls. The chicks grow well and develop rapidly 
under proper care. 
The Buff variety (fig. 11) is the most generally bred; their color tone 
offers an attraction to fanciers that is hard to resist. Both male and 
female are of a rich, 
deep, clear buff, uni¬ 
form in shade through¬ 
out except the tail, 
which should be a 
deeper buff or cop- 
perish bronze, under¬ 
color same as surface 
color, but of lighter 
shade and should ex¬ 
tend to the skin. In 
breeding select fe¬ 
males as near as pos¬ 
sible to the desired 
shade of buff, as free 
from dark or white in 
wing and tail, and of 
as even a color as can 
be. To such females 
mate a cock of deeper 
shade, with some little 
black in wing, and tail 
of deep buff of a cop¬ 
pery luster. This 
mating will produce 
good results in cockerels and pullets. The heavy leg and foot feather¬ 
ing so characteristic of the breed should have constant care and atten¬ 
tion. While the feathering should be abundant, all semblance to 
vulture hock, or stiff feathering, should be avoided. 
The Partridge Cochin (fig. 13) is a beautiful fowl yet difficult to breed, 
and in plumage is much after the pattern of the Dark Brahma, the color 
being red and brown, instead of the steel gray effect of the latter. The 
head of male, in color, is bright red; hackle, bright red or orange red, with 
a distinct black stripe down the center of each feather; saddle feathers 
same as hackle; breast and body, rich deep black; wing bows, red; 
Fig. 12.—Back view of Buff Cochin cock, showing full feathering. 
