The Polish chicken is celebrated for its distinctive appearance and unique characteristics.

Yes, this is a chicken! A buff laced Polish chicken. Photo: Jean Ogden Just Chaos Photography

If you are looking for a chicken breed that will make you smile every time you see it, you might want to consider the Polish chicken. This breed is known for its remarkable crest of feathers that covers its head and gives it a unique and charming appearance.

The Polish chicken is not only a beautiful bird, but also a gentle and friendly one. It can be a great addition to your backyard flock, especially if you have children who will enjoy cuddling and playing with these fluffy chickens.

Polish chicken come in many forms and varieties. Photo: Joe Mabel

The Polish chicken is one of the oldest and most noble breeds of chickens in Europe. It dates back to the 15th century, when it was first mentioned in Dutch and Italian paintings. However, its exact origins are unknown. Some theories suggest that it came from Poland, hence its name, while others believe that it came from Asia with the Mongol invaders.

The Polish chicken was originally bred for its eggs, which were highly valued for their white color and large size. It was also admired for its striking appearance and elegant posture. The breed became very popular among the aristocracy and royalty of Europe, who kept them as ornamental birds in their gardens and palaces.

The Polish chicken was introduced to America in the early 19th century, where it also gained popularity among farmers and poultry fanciers. The American Poultry Association recognized several varieties of the Polish chicken in its Standard of Perfection over the years.

The prominent characteristic of the Polish chicken is its sizable tuft of feathers. Photo: dalemcneill

The most distinctive feature of the Polish chicken is its large crest of feathers that covers most of its head. The crest can vary in shape and size, from a neat pom-pom to a wild and messy look. The crest can also affect the vision of the bird, making it timid and easily frightened.

The Polish chicken comes in many different color varieties, each with its own charm and beauty. Some of the most common ones include white crested black, sliver laced, gold laced, buff laced, and bearded. Some of these varieties also come in frizzle form, which means that their feathers are curled or twisted instead of flat.

Silver laced Polish cock. Photo: misha3637

The Polish chicken is not a very prolific egg layer, but it can still provide you with some eggs throughout the year. It lays about 2-4 eggs per week, depending on the season and the care it receives. The eggs are white in color and medium in size.

The Polish chicken rarely goes broody, which means that it does not sit on its eggs to hatch them. This can be an advantage if you want to collect eggs regularly, or a disadvantage if you want to hatch your own chicks.

A beautiful Polish couple. Photo: Jean Ogden Just Chaos Photography

The Polish chicken is a gentle and friendly breed that can make a great pet for your family. It is usually calm and docile, and does not mind being held or cuddled. It can also be curious and playful, especially when it comes to exploring new things.

However, the Polish chicken can also be timid and skittish, due to its limited vision and its vulnerability to predators. It can be easily startled by loud noises or sudden movements, and may run away or hide. It can also be bullied by other chickens, especially if they peck at its crest.

Therefore, the Polish chicken needs a safe and comfortable environment, where it can feel secure and relaxed. It also needs a lot of attention and affection from its owners, who can help it overcome its fears and build its confidence.

Would you tell I’m a chicken? Yes, I am a white crested black Polish pullet. Photo: dalemcneill

The Polish chicken is not a very hardy breed, and it requires some special care to keep it healthy and happy. Here are some tips on how to care for your Polish chicken:

• Provide a spacious and clean coop for your Polish chicken, with enough nesting boxes, roosts, feeders and waterers. Make sure the coop is well-ventilated, but also protected from drafts, rain and predators.
• Provide a large and fenced run for your Polish chicken, where it can roam freely and enjoy the sun and fresh air. Make sure the run has some shade, shelter and hiding places, where your Polish chicken can escape from the heat or the danger.
• Feed your Polish chicken a balanced and nutritious diet, consisting of high-quality chicken feed, fresh water, grit and occasional treats. You can also supplement their diet with some greens, fruits, vegetables and insects, which can provide them with extra vitamins and minerals.
• Trim the feathers around the eyes of your Polish chicken regularly, to improve its vision and prevent eye infections. You can use scissors or a small electric clipper to do this. Be careful not to cut too close to the skin or hurt your Polish chicken.
• Keep the crest of your Polish chicken clean and dry, to prevent mites, lice and fungal infections. You can use a mild shampoo or a vinegar solution to wash the crest gently. You can also use a hair dryer or a towel to dry the crest thoroughly.
• Check your Polish chicken for any signs of illness or injury, such as sneezing, coughing, wheezing, diarrhea, lethargy, loss of appetite, weight loss, wounds or parasites. If you notice any of these symptoms, consult your veterinarian as soon as possible.