This short film introduces one of our most charming rare breeds: Buff Cochin chickens.
Follow Peter the cockerel and his hens Penelope, Peggy, Petunia, Pearl and Pam as they go about their daily routine; from exploring their hillside enclosure to enjoying mealworm treats and dust baths. With their fluffy feathers, calm temperaments and important place on the Rare Breeds Survival Trust Watchlist, these gentle giants are a delight for visitors of all ages.
Video Transcript
Welcome to Chatsworth Farmyard! Meet Peter the cockerel and his five Buff Cochin hens: Penelope, Peggy, Petunia, Pearl and Pam.
Peter, Penelope, Peggy, Petunia, Pearl and Pam
Buff Cochins are a rare breed. Numbers are low in the UK, so they’re part of the Rare Breeds Survival Trust’s Watchlist.
8:30am – Wake-Up Call
The shed door is opened and the chickens head into their hillside enclosure. Peter leads the way, but today, Pearl and Pam are feeling broody and prefer to stay in the nesting box.
The chickens potter about and search for goodies that might have appeared overnight.
9:37am – “Tidbitting”
Peter finds something tasty and gives a special call to the hens to come and share it – this is called tidbitting.
Fun Fact!
They wear hand made waistcoats to protect their feathers.
10:00am – Coop Clean-Up
The farmyard team clean the shed, which now has a sand floor. It’s cleaner than wood shavings, lasts longer, and the chickens love scratching and dust bathing in it. Food and water are topped up, and Pam and Pearl are tempted out.
Fun Fact!
Buff Cochins lay 180–200 large eggs a year and take up to 2 years to fully mature.
They’re heavy too – some weigh up to 4kg!
11:16am – Spa Vibes
The hens settle in for a dust bath. This keeps feathers clean and helps prevent parasites.
2:00pm – Treat Time!
It’s mealworm time, a favourite chicken snack. Pecking order comes into play here, but there’s plenty to go round.
Afternoon Adventures
The flock spends the rest of the day scratching for bugs, resting in the shade and checking out farmyard visitors. Buff Cochins don’t fly well, so they’re easy to keep penned in – perfect for farms and families alike.
Fun Fact!
Their fluffy feathers keep them warm in winter – but they don’t like the heat.
If you’d like to meet them in real life, visit the Chatsworth Farmyard, and help support rare breeds like these fluffy superstars.
