Large Fowl Black Cochins
Started in 2019 with foundation birds from Timm Zitz—the friend who gave me my first real footing in standard-bred poultry—our Large Fowl (LF) Black program grew again in 2025 when we acquired Chase Austin’s flock. Chase had stewarded his LF Blacks for about a decade before gifting them to us; his birds trace through Wade Burkhalter back to Rick Klehr (Minnesota), carrying that deep, old-school Cochin look. Timm’s mentorship set our priorities—massive bone, broad, powerful skulls, and a correct, well-made cushion on genuinely big frames—and we’ve stayed ruthlessly consistent ever since. If they aren’t big, they’re culled—simple as that. These Blacks are my heart and soul; they’ve brought meaningful wins while we keep pushing for depth of type, weight, and finish generation after generation. When available, we offer started chicks at 3–4 weeks to give families a sturdier start while feathering is underway.
Quick facts (standard & variety)
Class: Asiatic (Large Fowl); Variety: Black — recognized by the APA.
Standard weights (APA): Cock 11 lb, Hen 8.5 lb, Cockerel 9 lb, Pullet 7 lb.
Type details: Single comb; red face, wattles, and earlobes; muffed (heavily foot-feathered) over yellow skin/soles; plumage solid black with a green sheen.
Terminology note: We use “muffed” to mean heavily foot-feathered (APA/ABA term = “booted”).
Production & personality
Eggs: Brown/tinted; typically ~150 eggs/year under good management (Cochins are generally “fair” layers).
Broodiness: Excellent natural mothers; go broody readily.
Temperament: Extremely docile and people-oriented—great for youth, showmanship, and small farm programs.
Care notes for new breeders & youth
Keep bedding dry and clean to protect muffed feet and preserve surface sheen.
Provide sensible shade during bright months; black plumage can warm quickly in direct sun.
Big birds appreciate roomy pens and gentle ramps; Cochins mature on the slower side—pullets commonly begin laying around 8–12 months.
Show timing, patience, and a smart plan
LF Asiatics (Cochin, Brahma, Langshan) typically reach show prime at 18–24 months.
As they age, older birds often look better—bone, cushion, and finish come together with time.
Have patience. These are a great large-fowl bird to start with, but plan your season: keep a Bantam Black project alongside so you can show bantams now while the big birds grow into themselves.
What we select for (and what you’ll see)
Broad, blocky frames with massive bone, a wide skull, deep chest, and a full, well-carried cushion—all wrapped in even, green-sheened black. Our ongoing selection emphasizes correct size and weight, feather quality, carriage, and easy handling. These are powerful, competitive LF Blacks bred to look the part in the show coop and handle kindly at home.
Large Fowl Black Cochins
Started in 2019 with foundation birds from Timm Zitz—the friend who gave me my first real footing in standard-bred poultry—our Large Fowl (LF) Black program grew again in 2025 when we acquired Chase Austin’s flock. Chase had stewarded his LF Blacks for about a decade before gifting them to us; his birds trace through Wade Burkhalter back to Rick Klehr (Minnesota), carrying that deep, old-school Cochin look. Timm’s mentorship set our priorities—massive bone, broad, powerful skulls, and a correct, well-made cushion on genuinely big frames—and we’ve stayed ruthlessly consistent ever since. If they aren’t big, they’re culled—simple as that. These Blacks are my heart and soul; they’ve brought meaningful wins while we keep pushing for depth of type, weight, and finish generation after generation. When available, we offer started chicks at 3–4 weeks to give families a sturdier start while feathering is underway.
Quick facts (standard & variety)
Class: Asiatic (Large Fowl); Variety: Black — recognized by the APA.
Standard weights (APA): Cock 11 lb, Hen 8.5 lb, Cockerel 9 lb, Pullet 7 lb.
Type details: Single comb; red face, wattles, and earlobes; muffed (heavily foot-feathered) over yellow skin/soles; plumage solid black with a green sheen.
Terminology note: We use “muffed” to mean heavily foot-feathered (APA/ABA term = “booted”).
Production & personality
Eggs: Brown/tinted; typically ~150 eggs/year under good management (Cochins are generally “fair” layers).
Broodiness: Excellent natural mothers; go broody readily.
Temperament: Extremely docile and people-oriented—great for youth, showmanship, and small farm programs.
Care notes for new breeders & youth
Keep bedding dry and clean to protect muffed feet and preserve surface sheen.
Provide sensible shade during bright months; black plumage can warm quickly in direct sun.
Big birds appreciate roomy pens and gentle ramps; Cochins mature on the slower side—pullets commonly begin laying around 8–12 months.
Show timing, patience, and a smart plan
LF Asiatics (Cochin, Brahma, Langshan) typically reach show prime at 18–24 months.
As they age, older birds often look better—bone, cushion, and finish come together with time.
Have patience. These are a great large-fowl bird to start with, but plan your season: keep a Bantam Black project alongside so you can show bantams now while the big birds grow into themselves.
What we select for (and what you’ll see)
Broad, blocky frames with massive bone, a wide skull, deep chest, and a full, well-carried cushion—all wrapped in even, green-sheened black. Our ongoing selection emphasizes correct size and weight, feather quality, carriage, and easy handling. These are powerful, competitive LF Blacks bred to look the part in the show coop and handle kindly at home.
Additional Information:
Flock Origin: Top Tier Farms
APA Recognized Variety: Yes
Egg Color: Brown with a pink bloom
