This hair-raising chicken is the rockstar of the poultry world.
You can't help but notice the Polish chicken. This unique chicken breed is unlike any other. Famously known for their head-turning looks, the Polish chicken breed is double trouble, having charmingly good looks and a great temperament. They also make a damn fine show bird.
The look of this chicken is undoubtedly funny; They sport a glorious crest of feathers worthy of any royalty. You can't help but love this quirky bird's fashion sense, and the uniquely bizarre head feathers on this bird have attracted many chicken lovers worldwide.
I mean, c'mon, this chicken's got a 1970's hairdo. (we love the pom-pom!). It just doesn't get any better than that! Here's everything you need to know about the Polish chicken.
The Story Behind the Polish Chicken
While it's a common assumption that Polish chickens are from the country of Poland, no one actually knows their exact origin. However, one thing we do know is that these chickens did not originate in Poland.
The oldest record of these strikingly beautiful farmyard birds came from the Netherlands — It is rumored that Polish chicks got their name from the Dutch word, "Pol", which means head, referring to the big feathering on the breed's head. Polish chickens are also called Top Hats.
Appearance
https://www.instagram.com/p/CGufK0ogV7A/
The Polish chicken is quite a sight! You can't help but smile at the funny look of the breed. The amazing one-of-a-kind headpiece on this backyard chicken makes it the easiest to identify against the rest of the backyard flock; In fact, we can guarantee it won't be mistaken for another!
Polish chickens have a small, red v-shaped comb, which is usually hidden by the large crest of feathers. They also have white earlobes and a bright red wattle. Polish hens have the distinct pom-pom on their heads, which appears tidy and neatly-groomed. While Polish roosters, on the other hand, look a bit more disheveled, as if they are having a bad hair day — Their head feathers look spiky and wild.
Coming in both standard and bantam sizes, there are several Polish varieties:
? Non-bearded white-crested black
? Non-bearded golden
? Non-bearded white
? Non-bearded silver
? Bearded golden
? Bearded white
? Bearded silver
? Bearded buff laced
? Non-bearded buff laced
? Non-bearded white crested blue
Today, the most popular color varieties are:
? Silver laced polish
? Golden laced polish
? Buff laced polish
? Blue polish chicken
Temperament and Care
Polish chickens really are the best chickens! They are known to be some of the calmest and gentlest birds, and if you have children, the friendly Polish will make a great addition to your flock. However, this breed can be easily nervous and flighty, but that is to be expected given their long hair often obstructs their vision!
Pro tip: to avoid scaring your polish, talk and whistle when approaching so they know you are coming.
Unfortunately, this docile breed is always at the bottom of the flock's pecking order because they are so non-aggressive. When scared, these chickens are a flight risk and will run, so be sure to put chicken wire to keep them secure. In a flock, they are great to put with other gentle chicken breeds, like the Silkie.
When it comes to the roost, Polish chickens don't require much. They do well in just the standard chicken coop, but prefer to have a large nesting box. However, a standard nesting box will do just fine too.
The Polish chicken was accepted into the American Poultry Association's (APA) Standard of Perfection in 1874.
What do you think of the fashionable Polish chickens? Do you live with one? Tell us in the comments!
