Evening Republican, Volume 20, Number 144, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 16 June 1916 — BUFF COCHIN IS BRED FOR SHOW PURPOSES [ARTICLE]

BUFF COCHIN IS BRED FOR SHOW PURPOSES

Its Descendantfl are Better Known a* Breeds that Can Make Money Cochins are one of the oldest breeds of poultry. They are descended from fowls imported from Asia between 1840 and 1850 known as Shanghais, Malay* and Chlttagongs, from which the Brahmas also were developed. There are black, white and partridge cochins, all sprung from the buff variety. Formerly the Buff Cochin frequently had dark colored feathers in the wings and tails of both sexes and on the necks of the hens, but this defect has been overcome, and buff cochins are now bred to a soft, uniform shade of buff all over, the males matching the females in color. The cochins’ massiveness, long foot feathering and lordly stride make them imposing fowls. They are. bred for excessive length and softness of feathers in all sections. This gives the fowl a big, round, soft appearance. It is probable that the English breeders have made even greater headway in this respect than the American, although the American bred birds are bred to a much more even and softer golden buff color. First class spedmens bring high prices. The buff cochin is bred chiefly for fancy. Its utilitarian qualities have been preserved in the American breeds, of which it was one of the ancestors. Buff cochins are good back yard fowls. They thrive in confinement and can be restrained by a low fence. Their buff plumage' does not soil as readily as white and the fowls will respond to intensive feeding method*. They lay large brown eggs and the hens are usually good setters and mothers. The chicks are rugged and haMy and grow fast, but take longer to mature than any of the American varieties. The males weigh from ten to fifteen pounds and the females from eight to ten pounds. Their flesh is of unusual quality,—Hew York Sun. The cost of keeping a calf during Its first four weeks is nearly double that ot any other four, week period at tUUXe-