Now this is truly a unique bird! Unlike all other chickens, the fethers on the frizzle curve outward and forward giving it the appearance of having walked through a wind storm backwards. These come in red, black, and white colors and show the other characteristics of the cochin. The frizzle feathering of these unique birds does not show as baby chicks. Because the frizzle trait does not breed true, approximately one fourth of your baby frizzle chicks will develop normal feathering and the others will be frizzled.
While listed in the Standard as a breed, frizzling is a genetic modification that can be easily introduced into any population of chickens. It causes each feather to curl back toward the bird's head instead of lying naturally pointed toward the tail.
Some breeders and poultry experts suggest that Frizzles should not be considered as a separate breed but just a variation on present breeds. The Japanese and Poland Clubs endorse this point where both clubs accept a frizzle-feathered variety of their respective breeds and in the United States there are several frizzled variations of numerous breeds.
Where the frizzle-feather originated is not clear but it is believed to have been sighted first about 300 years ago in Southern Asia, Java and the Philippine Islands.
There is a wide variety of colours, sizes and breeds, but the most popular in the United States is the Cochin Frizzle. The hens are fair egg layers, laying extremely tasty white or brown tinted eggs. They make excellent broodies too.
You can expect three types of plumage from your chicks, frizzled, over frizzled and flat-coated. Of course if you are considering showing your birds then feather quality is of the utmost importance and selective breeding is a must. To maintain feather quality the best mating is a frizzled on smooth, because that way you don't end up with the over frizzled and double curlies as they are called. However, if you just want to keep these attractive fowl for pleasure and daily eggs, then a mixed bunch is a great conversation starter. They are hardy birds and are perfectly well suited to free range or outdoor pens.
Any of the following defects are considered serious.
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Narrow feather
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Want of curl
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Drooping comb
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Deformity of any kind
Not only are these chickens geneticly unique, but their personalities are truly something special. I have found them to be very personable and docile birds. Perfect for children and pets, as well as show.
