Cochin photo: sammydavisdog from East Midlands, UK (CC BY 2.0) · Wyandotte photo: ripperda (CC BY 2.0) · via Wikimedia Commons
Cochin vs Wyandotte
Two backyard favorites, side by side — egg production, temperament, size, and hardiness, straight from our breed data. Here's how to choose.
The quick verdict
The Wyandotte is the stronger layer — about 180–240 eggs a year against the Cochin's 150–180.
The Cochin is the bigger bird at 8–9 lbs — more presence and more meat, but more feed and coop space than the Wyandotte.
The Cochin goes broody often — a bonus if you want a hen to hatch her own chicks, a hassle if you'd rather she keep laying like the Wyandotte.
Choose the Cochin if you want…
- Will hatch and raise her own chicks
- A showier, ornamental bird
Choose the Wyandotte if you want…
- More eggs — up to 240 a year
- Compact — less space and feed
- Rarely quits laying to sit on eggs
Side by side
| Trait | Cochin | Wyandotte |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Ornamental | Dual purpose |
| Eggs per year | 150–180 | ✓180–240 |
| Egg color | Brown | Brown |
| Egg size | Medium | Large |
| Hen weight | 8–9 lbs | 6–7 lbs |
| Temperament | Exceptionally docile | Calm and confident |
| Cold hardy | Yes | Yes |
| Heat tolerant | No | No |
| Broodiness | Often broody | Sometimes broody |
| Beginner friendly | Yes | Yes |
Egg counts are healthy-hen peaks; real numbers dip in winter, during molt, and as a hen ages. Size a coop for either bird with our coop size calculator.
More head-to-heads
Cochin or Wyandotte — track whichever you pick
Give every bird a profile in PoultryPal, log their eggs and weight, and let the app show you which hen is really your best layer. Free on iOS and Android.
