Cockatrice | Bestiary Dragon's Dogma Guide
Last update: 11 May 2016
Description: The Cockatrice is a flying beast that resembles the Griffin, but with the head of cock. It's one of the most dangerous monsters in the game due to its petrifying gas.
Location: Gran Soren (quest), Vestad Hills, Soulflayer Canyon, Eradication Site, The Everfall.
Attacks: The most dangerous attack of the Cockatrice is the ability to petrify - it prepares for it by flapping its wings, and then releasing a cloud of gas. Petrifying means death, unless you cave a proper potion to counteract it. Apart from that, it also can poison you with its claws, cast Silence on mages, or grab you (move the left stick to free yourself).
Weakness: Fire (causes it to crash-land)
Strategy: The most important thing is to avoid the petrifying cloud. To do it, strike the larynx first (especially when the beast puffs up - it means it's getting ready to attack). This way you can interrupt the attack, and, after striking it enough times, damage the organ (you won't have to worry about the petrification anymore).
In any case, it's good to have a Secret Softener with you - a potion which removes the effects of the petrification. The Cockatrice itself is much like the Griffin - battle rules are similar.