[xnbacon]

I bought a variety pack of eggs off e-bay to hatch, a while ago.  Out of which hatched a silkie, rhode island red, light sussex, dorking and a cochin.  At about 7 weeks the light sussex and dorking appear to be about twice the size of the cochin (which is on a par with the silkie) is this normal?  Cos I thought cochins were big birds.  Are they particularly slow growing?  Or have I been fobbed off with a bantam?!! 

[shetlandpaul]

just give it time. we have two chicks at about 15 weeks and they dwarf the others. we also have 2 brahmas and they are at about 12 weeks and they are only now getting to the size of the red hens. ive been told they take 18mths to get to full size. your very luck they are realy cute chickens. and friendly.

[xnbacon]

Yes, I'm quite taken with it, its quite sweet.  Not going to be an economic meat bird at this rate though!!  Although it wasn't really intended as such, hoping its going to be a girl and broody.

[shetlandpaul]

it would be a waste. there is a big demand for the big birds. try crossing her with the light sussex if it can reach you may get a decent meat bird. but you 2would get a good meal out of any  spare cocks.

[carl]

I ended up with a cochin 2 years ago, by accident. He was a slow starter. but now, with all his big feathers, he looks huge. We call him homer, and he is just a pet that runs round the garden with a few other spurious hens.He is a real gentle giant and has an excellent nature. He keeps the girls under carefull watch but comes to see me as soon as the car pulls up. He is very handsome, and all visitors are taken with him.
If the chick stays tiny it may be a pekin?

[shetlandpaul]

that could be true they do look the same but the cochin should have been about twice as big after the first week or so.

[carl]

maybe just a weakling or a cross?