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Polishes

Docile, Friendly, Nervous

Polishes

Recognized Color Varieties

  • Bearded

    • Golden​

    • Silver

    • White

    • Buff Laced

  • Non Bearded​

    • White Crested Black​

    • Golden

    • Silver

    • White

    • Buff Laced

    • White Crested Blue

    • Black Crested White

Breed Traits

The Polish is a generally friendly chicken, but can have a more agitated or subdued temperament if the crest is not groomed to allow them to see their surroundings. Their large crests can make them vulnerable to predators as it can obstruct their vision, so they tend to be startled easily. Some Polish even sport a beard in addition to their tophat.

 

They are a smaller and more active breed that loves to forage. They will hardly ever sit on eggs and do not make good mothers. 

Breed History

Although many would assume Polish chickens originated in Poland, their namesake is actually derived from the Dutch word for 'top hat' which describes their extravagant head feathering. Early accounts of the breed show that it was developed in the ancient Russia area, however, some have claimed to trace the breed as far back to the 12th century in the Netherlands.   No matter where the Polish breed originated from, it is a striking breed that gained popularity in the royalty of Britain in the 17th century.  At one time it was considered a great layer of white eggs; but the breeds egg laying utility has been lost to develop fuller and larger “crests.”  These crests are helped in part by an actual protuberance over the skull.

Quick Facts

Peak Egg Production

Good: Approx 200

Egg Size

Medium

Egg Color

White

Tolerant of Confinement

Yes

Cold Hardy

No

Heat Tolerant

Yes

Broody

No

American Poultry Association

Continental

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