Black Cochin Bantams

Black cochins are raised as ornamental birds for their showy feathers. Their soft puffy feathers and thick down
undercoat make them appear much heavier than they really are. They were introduced in America in 1845 from Asian poultry breeders and were an instant hit.

At the Zoo we have two females and one male Black Cochin bantam chickens living in the New England Farmyard. Bantams are chickens that are one-forth to one-fifth the size of their original breed. Bantams were originally bred first as pets and for show, but they also do well as backyard flock poultry.

Description: 

They have coal black plumage with a greenish sheen. They have a bright red comb and wattle that makes a beautiful contrast with the black feathers.

Habitat: 

Cochins have typically been bred to be pet and show birds, so they live with breeders or on farms.

Range: 

They originally came from China, where they had been bred domestically for a long time.

Diet: 

At the Zoo they get fed chicken feed, cracked corn and, as a special treat, crickets and mealworms.

Life Span: 

They typically live 8- 10 years.

Family Life: 

Black Cochin Bantams are very gentle, are excellent sitters and lay lots of eggs. They have great mothering skills and are often used as “foster moms” for other breeds of poultry.

Status: 

Not endangered or threatened.