Buff Cochins

Really good experienceThis was our first flock and we had zero experience with chickens. We ordered 16 chicks in total, 8 Dominiques, 7 Speckled Sussex and 1 mystery chick which turned out to be a Buff Cochin. I figured we would lose some chicks along the way while we learned to care for them. All the chicks arrived in good condition. It has been 7 weeks and we have not lost any birds. They are developing well, growing fast and eating a lot. The Dominiques are so gentle and calm. Most of them will come up to me and allow me to just put my hand under their chest and pick them up without any fuss. They absolutely love to forage in the leaf litter and grass! The Speckled Sussex are more energetic and inquisitive. They are the first ones to come investigate but they also will sit on your lap and allow you to pet them as long as there is not anything else getting their attention. The Speckled Sussex also love to forage. The Buff Cochin is the goofy one of the bunch! He or She (I'm assuming he) looks so funny when he runs! He is my wife's favorite because he is so goofy. The Cochin is usually the last one to come out of the coop and is more skittish than the other breeds although he is so much bigger than the others. He reminds me of Baby Huey! So far this has been a great experience. I am glad I ordered from Murray McMurray Hatchery and I would do so again.

Unpleasant SurpriseWe received a Buff Cochin as our mystery chick with our order. While healthy, large, and beautiful, this is the clumsiest chicken I’ve ever seen. She’s the only one in the bunch that can’t walk up (or fly in the slightest) the ladder/ramp to get into the coop. And to top it off she is the absolute meanest chicken we have. Even worse than our rooster, who by comparison is a doll. I appreciate the free chick, but it would be nice if perhaps there were a few options customers could choose from for the freebie. That being said, we are overall very happy McMurray customers.