Bantam Cochin Comb question

[dmiravalle]

So we have been raising "show" cochins for a couple of years now. The comb is supposed to have 5 points. This seems like freakin' impossible. We bought from reputable breeders. Yet is seems like we always have 6 to 7 points, could someone PLEASE explain how this gene works or any other info!!!!! Thanks.

 

[Bo Garrett]

With most people the comb is the first and most noticable part of the bird, I guess because it is big and red. I have bred and shown bantam and large cochins for years and while good combs accentuate the bird a four point or six point comb is not a major deal. This is about 1/2 point deduction in the Standard so use those 4 point and 6 point birds. The thing I always do is to make sure I place as much emphasis on the hens comb as I do the males; often this is not the case and the hen can sure mess things up if you don't take these things into account.
The most important things on the comb is to make sure it is correctly sized (medium), straight (no thumb marks) and no side sprigs.
The cochin comb should contour the head throughout the length to the tip of the blade.

Hope this helps,


Bo

 

[dmiravalle]

Thank you it does, why do the 7 or more points show up, is that just bad genetics? Should those birds be automatically culled?

 

[cochinman2005]

Quote:
I agree with what Bo stated. The females play a big part in determining the offspring's resulting comb structure. As for 7 points vs. some other number, yes it's genetic, but again, like Bo was saying, you have to assess the bird in total when deciding whether it should be part of your breeding program. I would hesitate to cull a bird with 7 points on its comb if everything else about it were fantastic. On the other hand if you have 2 birds of equal type and quality and one has 7 point and the other has 5 points, I'd use the bird with the correct number of points assuming of course that the comb was also correct for size and conformation. Another technique that works with mixed results is to match up a bird with too many points to a bird with too few points. I pay more attention to the points on the combs of my Blacks and Whites than I do on the other varieties that I raise at this time. Why? Because the Blacks and Whites should be to the point now where they are more refined and of higher general quality than the other varieties because many more breeders have been working with them for many years. With a variety like Partridge, I'll forgive a comb that has 4 or 6 points if the bird has type and decent pattern going for it. There are many factors to consider when selecting your breeders and overall type should be first and foremost. The head/comb are a small part of that, although usually the first thing noticed on a bird.

 

[dmiravalle]

Thanks, I know when my kids showed our black rooster who had two many points, the judge kept pointing out that is why he liked the other rooster better who was in terrible shape and lacked definition way worse then ours. So I thought, oh my gosh what do we do now. The breeder we first got our birds from didn't educated us much, so we have been flying by the seat of our pants and doing our own research. So I REALLY appreciate the advice! I noticed that so far, the judges definetely have preference over what size they like, etc... We have one hen, that one judge said was to big and ding her for it, then another judge who thought she was the perfect size to breed for....

Kinda reminds me of rabbit judging.

 

[Bo Garrett]

Tom is absolutely right that type and color are of the utmost importance. I have found that comb traits tend to be fairly highly heritable traits; take side sprigs for instance once in a flock it is very difficult to get bred out.
Follow Tom's advice and if a bird is very good but has an extra point or two go ahead and use it but choose the mate carefully and ensure it does not carry the same trait or at least express it.

Bo

 

[Bo Garrett]

Tom is absolutely right that type and color are of the utmost importance. I have found that comb traits tend to be fairly highly heritable traits; take side sprigs for instance once in a flock it is very difficult to get bred out.
Follow Tom's advice and if a bird is very good but has an extra point or two go ahead and use it but choose the mate carefully and ensure it does not carry the same trait or at least express it.

Bo

 

[dmiravalle]

Thank you, I appreciate the advice!

 

[HappyTailsFarm]

remember, its not just 5 points, its 5 DISTINCT points, you may be looking at it all wrong, and counting the smaller on either end that are always there, do your research, look it up online, go through pictures of show champions-and make sure you study your pictures in the APA Standard book, but also, talk to other showmen, ones who have champions-they can explain it right therre in front of you-hope this helps-and when it comes to cochins, feathers fluff and shape are higher up than combs, as long as the combs are not big, your doin' ok-

 

[dmiravalle]

Thanks, I appreciate that, we have only shown twice so far. It is amazing how judges opinions vary. A little confusing too.