Cochin
Gallus gallus domesticus
✨ Fait Amusant
When the first Cochins arrived in Britain in 1843, 'Hen Fever' swept the country — people paid extraordinary sums for single birds, poultry shows drew crowds of thousands, and The Times of London ran front-page stories about egg-laying competitions. Charles Darwin studied Cochin genetics extensively for 'On the Origin of Species'.
A spectacularly fluffy Chinese breed introduced to Europe in the 1840s that single-handedly created the 'Hen Fever' craze of the Victorian era. Cochins have an extraordinary abundance of soft, loose plumage covering every part of their body including their feet and legs, making them look twice their actual size. Though poor egg layers and slow growers by modern standards, their visual magnificence and docile nature made them the most sought-after breed in 19th-century Britain and America. Queen Victoria's enthusiasm for them drove the hen fever to its peak.
🏷️ Race
Cochin
💭 Tempérament
Calm, gentle, docile, friendly, good with children
📏 Taille
Large (3.6-5.0 kg)
⏳ Espérance de vie
5-8 years
🎨 Couleurs
Buff (most famous), black, white, blue, partridge, cuckoo, silver-laced
🌍 Origine
China — Cochinchina region (now Vietnam/southern China); introduced to Europe 1843
🏠 Habitat
Enclosed run or garden; feathered feet need dry ground conditions
🍽️ Alimentation
Layer pellets; limited forager — watch for obesity
🎯 Usage
Ornamental
🥚 Couleur des œufs
Brown
👑 Type de crête
Single
🏅 Classe EE
Large Fowl