© Nightflyer / CC BY 3.0Cochin Chicken
Originating from feather-legged fowl brought from China to the West in the 1840s-50s, the Cochin is a large breed famous for its abundant fluffy plumage that covers its legs and toes right down to the feet. Standard Cochins reach about 5kg for roosters and 4kg for hens, giving them a substantial, rounded silhouette paired with a famously calm and gentle temperament. They move slowly, bond easily with their keepers, and have long been kept as ornamental birds. While their feathered legs call for some extra grooming attention, Cochins are considered approachable even for first-time keepers.
View Cochin Chicken encyclopedia →0% commission on your first sales!Register by September 30, 2026 and your first 2 sales are commission-free!
Breeder Wanted!
List on BreederDirect and sell directly to customers nationwide!
Six Transparency Commitments from BreederDirect
All Birds listings include complete Breeder transparency: hand-raised status, DNA sex determination, and health certification details.
- Hand-Raised
- DNA Sex-Determined
- Health Certified
- Origin Disclosed
- Color Variation Specified
- Age in Months Disclosed
Browse all 247 breeds
Care Level
Verified breeders wanted for Birds
Breeders are signing up now ahead of launch. Subscribe to be notified when new listings go live.
Getting alerts is free with a member account. When new listings match your saved search, we'll notify you by email and in-app.
Browse other categories
Verified breeders (preview)
Cochin Chicken key facts
- Care level
- Beginner-friendly
- Lifespan
- About 8 years
- Size
- About 5kg (cock) / 4kg (hen); bantams about 900g / 800g
- Diet
- Poultry feed, grain, greens and oyster-shell grit
- Cage
- Because feathering covers the leg and foot, keep the floor dry and change the litter often. The birds are heavy, so set perches low.
- Temperament
- It is unusually tame for a chicken and comparatively quiet, which makes it a good pet; hens are excellent sitters.
- Vocalization
- The breed is considered comparatively quiet, but the cock crows at dawn like any other chicken.
- Notes
- Growth is slow and the breed is not kept for practical meat or egg production. The bantam form is easily confused with the Pekin Bantam.
About Cochin Chicken
The Cochin is a large ornamental chicken breed known for its abundant feathering down to the legs and its calm, gentle temperament — approachable even for beginners.
7 things to know before welcoming a Cochin Chicken
1Feathered legs are the signature trait
The Cochin's defining trait is its feathering that extends all the way down the legs and toes. Because this feathering can trap dirt and moisture, keeping the ground clean and checking the feet regularly is an important part of care.
2Housing sized for a large bird
Standard Cochins grow into a solid, heavy-bodied bird, with roosters around 5kg and hens around 4kg. Preparing a coop and run sized appropriately for their bulk ahead of time makes for a smoother start.
3A calm, easygoing temperament
Cochins tend to move at an unhurried pace and are often described as docile and easy to tame. Because they are generally low in aggression, it's worth watching their compatibility when kept alongside other chickens.
4Beginner-friendly to keep
Cochins are rated as beginner-friendly, making them approachable even for first-time chicken keepers. That said, breed-specific care such as tending to the feathered legs is still something to learn.
5A bantam variety also exists
Alongside the standard-size bird, there is also a bantam variety weighing around 900g for roosters and 800g for hens. Be sure to confirm which size you're bringing home before deciding.
6Kept mainly as an ornamental breed
Cochins are kept mainly for their ornamental appearance rather than for egg production or meat. Making sure everyone in the household shares the same expectations for keeping one helps avoid mismatches later.
7Research before bringing one home
Despite their large size and calm nature, it's important to carefully check your housing setup in advance — coop space, feather maintenance, and how they'll cope with your local climate.
Frequently asked questions about Cochin Chicken
- Q.Can beginners keep a Cochin?
- A.Yes, the Cochin is generally rated as a beginner-friendly breed. That said, it does have breed-specific care needs, such as maintaining its feathered legs, so it's worth learning the basics beforehand.
- Q.How big does a Cochin get?
- A.Standard Cochins are a large breed, with roosters reaching about 5kg and hens about 4kg. A bantam variety also exists, at around 900g for roosters and 800g for hens, so it's worth confirming which size you're getting.
- Q.What is the Cochin's temperament like?
- A.Cochins tend to be slow-moving and gentle, and often bond well with their keepers. They're generally low in aggression, though individual temperament varies, so it's best to observe compatibility when introducing them to other chickens.
- Q.What should I watch for when caring for the feathered legs?
- A.Because the feathering on the legs and feet can easily trap dirt and moisture, it's important to keep the ground clean and check regularly for buildup. If you notice anything unusual, consult a specialist promptly.
- Q.Is the Cochin regulated under CITES?
- A.The Cochin is not subject to CITES regulation.
Useful tools for Cochin Chicken care
Learn more about Cochin Chicken in the encyclopedia
View Cochin Chicken encyclopedia entry →
Care difficulty, lifespan, size and diet — all basics covered.
More in this category
Can't find the one you're looking for?
Post your wishes for free and breeders with matching animals will contact you with introductions.