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Polish chicken is known as Poland or Polish crested. It’s a breed of chicken known for its distinctive crest of feathers on top of its head. The crest is large and puffy, often covering the eyes. If you are interested in raising chickens, want some eggs, and are looking for a great starter bird, get to know about Polish chickens. Here in this blog, we will explore Polish chicken’s characteristics. Let’s get into the essential facts.
Polish Chicken Characteristics
Here are some of the key things that you need to know about the breed before deciding to raise:
Breed’s History
The Polish chickens were initially developed for ornamental purposes but were not developed in Poland. The breed’s ancestors were brought to central and eastern Europe by Asian Mongols during the Middle Ages.
Polish chicken was standardized in the Netherlands and became European through breeding in the 16th century. The Polish breed of chicken was introduced to the USA between 1830 and 1840. This crested breed became a favorite among farmers and chickens who enjoyed their unique poufs and tufts.
General Appearance
The general appearance of Polish chickens is characterized by their unique crests, elegant stature, and variety of colorful feather patterns. Here are some of the key features related to the general appearance of Polish chicken:
Crest
The most distinctive feature of Polish chickens is the crest of feathers on top of their head.
Feather Colors
These chickens come in various feather colors and patterns. Some common colors include white, black, buff, silver, gold and blue.
Body Size and Shape
They have relatively small to medium-sized bodies. These chickens have compact, well-rounded body shapes with short backs and broad chests.
Beak and Eyes
Polish chickens have a medium-sized beak that varies in color, depending on the feather color. The eye color can vary and is not necessarily related to feather color.
Leg and feet
Polish chickens have medium-length legs that are usually clean and feathers-free. The leg color can vary, but it’s often a lighter shade, such as white or yellow.
Polish Chicken Varieties and Breeds
These chickens come in various varieties and breeds, each characterized by distinct feather colors, patterns, and crest styles. Here are some of the famous Polish chicken varieties:
- White-Crested Black
- White-Crested Blue
- White-Crested Buff
- Bearded
- Silver Laced
- Golden Polish Chicken
- Splash Polish Chicken
Egg Production and Breeding
The egg production and breeding process is variable and inconsistent. They are considered decent egg layers; people don’t usually raise them for their egg production because of poor mothering instincts. The Polish chicken can produce 150-200 eggs a year. Their eggs are medium to large. The egg shells are white. They don’t have specks or rounded edges and look like standard chicken eggs. However, they don’t have the best parenting abilities, so they are not used for heavy-duty breeding or caring. You can expect them to start laying any time after 20 weeks, and they will produce white eggs.
Polish chickens are not particularly prone to broodiness. Some individual hens may exhibit broody Behavior. Polish chickens select healthy birds with desirable traits such as well-formed crests, good overall conformation, and correct feather coloration. Polish chickens require regular pet care and attention, just like other breeds. They should be provided with suitable coop or housing that protects them from predators and adverse weather conditions.
Health of Polish Chickens
Regarding the health of Polish chickens, they can be prone to specific health issues related to their crests. The feather on their crests can sometimes obstruct their vision, making them more vulnerable to injuries or accidents. The crests can accumulate dirt, debris, and droppings, which can cause skin irritation, infections, or respiratory problems if not properly maintained.
It’s essential to take extra care of their crests. Regularly inspect the crests and gently clean them, removing any accumulated dirt or debris. Be cautious when handling Polish chickens to avoid accidentally injuring or stressing their crests. It is advisable to prevent breeding Polish chickens with huge crests as this can increase the risk of crest-related health issues. Breeding Polish chickens with non-crested chickens can help to reduce the likelihood of crest deformities and associated health problems in the offspring. It has been seen that a Polish breed of chicken has the same general health problems as the average chicken.
Friendliness and Aggression
These chickens are generally known for their friendly and docile nature. They are often described as calm, gentle, and non-aggressive birds. Polish can be quite sociable and enjoy human interaction. It’s important to note that individual chicken personalities can vary, and there may be exceptions to the general Behavior of the breed. Factors such as improper handling, inadequate socialization, or stressful environments can sometimes lead to behavioral issues or aggression in any chicken breed, including Polish chickens.
What Are The Care Tips For Polish Chicken?
Here are some of the care tips for Polish chickens:
| Care Tips |
| Provide a clean and well-ventilated coop or housing. |
| Ensure the coop protects them from predators and adverse weather conditions. |
| Nutrition |
| Feed a balanced and nutritious diet with commercial chicken feed formulated for laying hens. |
| Include a mix of grains, seeds, and fresh fruits and vegetables as treats. |
| Health and Hygiene |
| Regularly monitor for signs of illness, such as lethargy, loss of appetite, or abnormal droppings. |
| Practice good biosecurity measures and maintain a clean coop environment. |
| Veterinary Care |
| Establish a relationship with a poultry veterinarian for regular check-ups and vaccinations. |
| Follow recommended vaccination and deworming schedules. |
What Are The Pros Of Raising a Polish Breed Of Chicken?
- There are the following advantages of raising a Polish breed of chicken:
- The most notable feature of Polish chickens is their distinct crests of feathers on top of their heads.
- Their crests come in various shapes and sizes, adding visual interest to the exhibition.
- These chickens are kept for their ornamental value rather than for egg or meat production.
- Their striking appearance and elegant posture make them an attractive addition to backyard flocks or showcase breeds in poultry exhibitions and competitions.
Final Thoughts
These are the essential aspects of the Polish chicken breed. They are a happy breed. Although they are friendly and intriguing, they can also be anxious. The polish is an excellent option if you take care of their feathers and ensure they have a protein-rich diet.
