Soldiers returning from China brought the first Cochin bantams to England in the 1860’s. They were known as “Pekin” bantams then and are still referred to as “Pekins” in many parts of Europe. Cochins are heavily feathered down the shanks and toes and appear to be much larger than they actually are. They are very gentle, excellent setters, require little space, and with their many color varieties are absolutely beautiful to look at. Cochins are the most popular of the feather legged bantams and one of our best setters. Accepted into the shows in 1965 the Barred Cochin is somewhat of a newcomer. To many people the barred variety is extremely pleasant to look at with its defined parallel bars of alternate dark and light colors throughout the length of each feather.