A Short History of Cochin Chinas

Reader Contribution by The Historic Foodie
Published on September 26, 2014
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A little bit of research revealed some interesting facts about Cochins poultry. They were kept by Queen Victoria and, per the “Illustrated London News,” Dec. 23, 1843, were obtained from China some time prior to that publication date. In both England and the U.S., they were initially called Cochin-Chinas. Another source stated her Cochins were a gift from the Chinese ambassador when the Chinese ports opened after the war. The war referred to was almost certainly the First Opium War with China (also referred to as the Anglo-Chinese War), which lasted from 1839-1842.

The Queen and Prince Albert had a keen interest in poultry matters at, “the home farm,” (Windsor).

Photo: iStockphoto.com/fuchs-photography

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