I have raised a lot of chickens in the last 15 years. A lot. Most of you know that my favorite chicken in the whole world is Happy. She is a Barred Rock and she is wonderful. A very close second, though, is Roxanne. Roxanne is a beautiful Buff Laced Polish who is hilarious! I now have four Polish Chickens and they are all incredible!
But before you fall for their hilarious head feathers, here are a few facts you will want to know. I added them to my flock purely for their personality and beautiful plumage.
History of the Polish Chicken
Before we jump into all the Polish chicken details, let’s take a quick look at where these chickens came from. Their history is a bit of a mystery, and while we don’t know all the specifics, their origins are still fascinating!
Despite their name, Polish chickens are not definitively from Poland. One theory suggests that they originated in Central or Eastern Europe, possibly the Netherlands, and were named "Polish" because their crest of feathers resembles the feathered helmets once worn by Polish soldiers.
Another theory traces their roots to ancient times, with possible connections to crested chickens in Asia or Italy, which were brought to Europe by traders or invaders. Dutch breeders are often credited with refining the breed in the 16th and 17th centuries, emphasizing their ornamental qualities and developing various color varieties.
Polish chickens made their way to the United States in the early 1800s and quickly gained popularity for both their egg-laying ability and their striking appearance. By 1874, they were recognized by the American Poultry Association. Although once valued for egg production, they have since become primarily ornamental birds, admired for their dramatic feather crests and colorful plumage.
Today, Polish chickens are a favorite among backyard chicken keepers and poultry enthusiasts for their beauty, entertaining personalities and suitability as show birds.
Personality and Plumage
Polish chickens are of one breed, however, they come in multiple different colors. I have a Buff Laced, Silver Laced, Golden Laced and a White Crested Blue Polish. They are all a little goofy and a whole lot of fun! Because of the poof of feathers on their head, they are easily startled and, sadly, an easy target for predators. Sometimes, they can be found near the bottom of the pecking order, but I haven’t seen that as much in my coop. They hold their own pretty well in my flock of 38.
Egg Laying Capabilities & Temperament
Polish chickens lay around 180-200 white eggs per year, and you can expect your first eggs around 20 weeks or later. While they may not be prolific egg layers, they certainly make up for it in personality! Polish chickens are gentle, great with kids and surprisingly good flyers. I’ve had to return my girls to their run more than once after their little adventures outside!
Size and Appearance
I’ve had to put my Polish girls back inside their run more than once. The hens average about 4-5 lbs. and the roosters generally weigh around 6 lbs. They have four toes and no feathers on their legs or feet. They’re supposed to be pretty quiet, but that’s not the case with mine! Haha! It usually sounds like a jungle in my coop when they make noise. Because of their feathers, they can be a target for other chickens to peck at. So, they may not mix well if you have more aggressive breeds like Wyandottes. If you think their head feathers prevent them from seeing well, you can trim them. This gives them a bit more confidence and the ability to protect themselves a bit more.
Caring for Polish Chickens
Polish chickens are a joy to have, but they do require a little extra care to keep them happy and healthy. One of the advantages of Polish chickens is that they are rarely broody, meaning they don’t often sit on their eggs trying to hatch them. This can be helpful for backyard chicken keepers who aren’t interested in breeding or who prefer a steady egg-laying routine. Since Polish chickens are more focused on foraging and exploring, they’re not likely to take long breaks from laying due to broodiness.
When it comes to their hardiness, Polish chickens are surprisingly well-suited for cold climates like Minnesota. Their smaller size and lean build might make them seem less capable of enduring harsh winters, but they’re tougher than they look. With proper coop care, they can handle cold temperatures quite well.
Why Polish Chickens Are Perfect for Fun-Loving Chicken Keepers
Out of all my chickens, they are the most amusing and entertaining! If you’re in the chicken business strictly for eggs and meat, they really aren’t the best choice. However, if you’re in it for the fun, beautiful yard decorations and bird personalities, these are your chickens!
So, if you’re inside dreaming about which breeds you want to add to your flock this year, try the Polish chickens. They bring so much joy and excitement to your flock and you won’t regret it!
Until next time
–The Wing Lady & Roxanne the Chicken
