Polish chickens are some of the most beloved pet and show birds, known for their crested heads and adorable personalities. In this extensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about Polish chickens, including whether these birds lay eggs, their housing and care needs, history, and more. Whether you’re a seasoned chicken keeper or just setting up your first flock in the backyard, this guide will give you all the information you need to raise and enjoy Polish chickens.
History of Polish Chickens
The exact origin of Polish chickens, however, remains somewhat unknown. Despite the reference to Poland in their name, they are not necessarily of Polish origin. What we know is that, since the beginning, the breed was standardized in the Netherlands. There exists a portrait of such a chicken from 1465, as well as several paintings from the 15th century, including Hans Memling’s The Last Judgment (c1467-9). It is possible that their ancestors came to Central and Eastern Europe from Asia due to the Mongols that, during medieval times, penetrated deep into our lands. On the other hand, some speculate that they arrived in Holland and Central Europe from Spain at the end of the 16th century, as this country occupied the low lands until 1648.
Polish chickens were bred to be good egg-layers, though, and they were quite popular in France in particular, where they were one of the earliest recognizable chicken breeds. By the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the American Poultry Association had included several breeds of Polish chickens in its Standard of Perfection.
Characteristics and Appearance
What marks Polish chickens is their large crest of feathers – they virtually have beards or turbans that surround their heads, resting upon a bony knob on their cap or skull. The comb being very small – a narrow ‘v’ – is hardly visible behind, or sometimes partially obscured, by the crest. They also have small bright red wattles and white earlobes.
Polish chickens come in a variety of colors and patterns, including:
- White Crested Black
- Golden
- Silver Laced
- Buff Laced
- Non-Bearded White
- Non-Bearded Buff Laced
- Non-Bearded Golden
- Non-Bearded Silver
- Bearded Golden
- Bearded Silver
- Bearded White
- Bearded Buff Laced
Temperament
But the Polish has a breeze-block head in the form of a remarkably large crest. The birds have gentle, friendly natures and are docile enough to be a delightful pet – and indeed they make excellent family pets, especially with kids – provided you speak to them before approaching them and ensure they’re not startled. They are considerably nervous because their crests restrict their vision.
Egg Laying
Polish are not very prolific egg-layers — expect a maximum of 150-200 white eggs per year (or 3-4 per week). They aren’t broody, either — meaning they won’t usually sit on eggs to hatch them.
Uses of Polish Chickens
Polish chickens are generally kept as ornamental birds now and they are still used as show birds because of their peculiar crest. They were kept for eggs in the past but now they have a higher status due to their appearance and friendly nature.
Care and Maintenance
Housing
Polish chickens need a closed and well-ventilated coop, protected from predators and inclement weather. In the run, approximately 4 sq ft is needed per bird, and at least 15 sq ft inside the coop. Because of their very bad eyesight, they are more dependent on a safe enclosure – a protected, closed run or a chicken tractor – in order to keep them protected from summer’s heat or winter’s cold, as well as predictors.
Feeding
For an adult Polish, a standard layer feed of 16 percent protein is more than enough: if they are molting, you can increase the percentage to 20 percent, to support feather regrowth. If you don’t want your chickens to be just indoors pets, they can enjoy their kitchen scraps, foraging for insects and plants, which will keep them occupied and, consequently, healthier. Grit is also very important for their digestion, especially if your chickens don’t have access to natural sources of small stones or sand.
Health Issues
A Polish chicken is generally healthy, but the large, feathered crest on top of his head can collect lice and mites, so check and clean it regularly to guard against lice and mites. When the weather is wet, their crest can become waterlogged, which can lead to health problems, so keep it dry and clean. Their crest can also freeze in cold weather, so make sure they are kept in a dry, draft-free coop.
High Maintenance?
Polish chickens have crests, which need regular combing to avoid infection and matting, and limited vision, so they may need extra protection from predators as well as special attention to make sure they’re eating correctly and drinking plenty of water. But many chicken-keepers feel this extra labor is worth it to keep such friendly, entertaining birds.
Adult Size
Polish chickens tend to be petite – a hen might be 4-5 pounds. So think Leghorn size. Polish hens and roosters come in standard and bantam sizes.
Habitat
Of course, Polish chickens can adapt to a wide variety of climates, but they can be particularly susceptible to excessive heat and cold. Hot weather requires shade, fresh water and good air circulation, while cold weather means a dry draft-free coop. Polish chickens’ crests make them more prone to frostbite and other cold-related maladies. This means giving special attention to them during late fall and winter.
Colors and Varieties
They range from gold and green through silver, white and brown, and may appear plain, checkered, marbled or laced. Popular varieties include:
- White Crested Black: Black feathers with a white crest.
- Golden: Vibrant golden feathers with a matching crest.
- Silver Laced: Black feathers with silver lacing.
- Buff Laced: Buff-colored feathers with white lacing.
- Non-Bearded and Bearded Varieties: Some Polish chickens have beards, adding to their unique appearance.
Breeding Polish Chickens
Breeding Polish chickens can be very rewarding but you need to make sure you choose your breeding stock wisely to maintain the traits you want such as crest size and feather type. As Polish hens seldom go broody, you will need an incubator or a broody hen of another breed to hatch your eggs. When incubating eggs, it’s best to set the temperature at 99ºF and keep humidity between 50-55 percent.
Raising Chicks
Because of their prominent head ridge that can easily be injured, keep Polish chicks away from other birds until their head ridge knits together (to avoid accidental pecking injuries). Provide a warm, dry brooder with water available and chick starter feed at all times. Lower the brooder temperature over time, as chicks grow and get feathers.
Grooming and Show Preparation
You should also be as groomed as your chickens are if you’re showing them. Polish chickens should be bathed 3-5 days before the show and dried well. Nails should be trimmed, as should the beak, which should then be smoothed with an emery board. You should check and trim the feathers (called crests) regularly – and always use a narrow-lipped drinker to prevent them getting wet.
Common Health Concerns
Polish chickens can be prone to certain health issues, such as:
- Lice and Mites: Regularly check and clean their crests to prevent infestations.
- Respiratory Infections: Ensure good ventilation in the coop to avoid the accumulation of harmful gases.
- Water On the Brain (Hydrocephalus): This can develop because of their high, domed heads. Watch any head injuries and took veterinary care where necessary.
Conclusion
Polish chickens are a delightfully unusual breed that can bring a lot of joy and entertainment to a flock but they do take a bit more special attention since they have a more elaborate crest that keeps growing unless groomed. They have very outgoing, friendly personalities that make them fun chickens to have, and it’s easy to see why they are so popular among chicken keepers. Whether showing them or simply keeping them as pets, Polish chickens are a great addition to any flock.
Just follow the tips and advice on care and problems that you will find in this guide, and your Polish hens will be healthy, happy and gorgeous chickens. Good luck with your chicken keeping! This guide has been prepared for people who wish to keep Polishes as pets or for production purposes. We hope it will provide all the information you need. The guide takes you through the background and history of the breed, discusses Polishes as pets, and offers information on daily care and maintenance, as well as addressing common chicken keeping problems.
