Provide a Clean, Dry Environment, Especially for Legs: Due to their extensive leg and foot feathering, it's crucial to maintain a consistently dry and clean coop and run. This prevents mud, ice, or manure from caking on their feathers, which can lead to frostbite, "mud balls," or parasite infestations.
Offer a Balanced Diet & Monitor Weight: Feed a high-quality complete chicken feed appropriate for their age. Cochins are less active foragers and can be prone to obesity due to their docile nature, so monitor their weight and avoid excessive treats.
Regularly Inspect Feathered Legs & Feet: Periodically check their leg and foot feathering for any signs of mites, lice, or physical injury. Gentle cleaning may be needed if debris accumulates, and in very cold weather, ensure their feathered feet are protected from frostbite.
Manage Broodiness: Partridge Cochin hens are well-known for their strong broody instinct. If you don't wish for chicks, be prepared to gently break a broody hen by moving her to a cooler, less comfortable space for a few days to discourage her from sitting.
Encourage Gentle Handling: Leverage their calm and friendly temperament by handling them regularly from a young age. This reinforces their docility, making them even more personable pets and easier to manage for health checks or coop maintenance.
