Polish chickens are one of my all-time favorite breeds. They are quirky, hilarious and such fun chickens to watch! I’ve had a few different types of Polish chickens over the years, and today we’re going to talk about the Silver Laced Polish breed.
History
The Polish chicken breed has a past that dates back centuries. Originating from Poland, these chickens were introduced to England in the 1700s. Their unique head of feathers sets them apart from all other breeds. The Silver Laced chicken features beautiful black and “silver” lacing on their feathers. They have a round body and, of course, a striking crest of feathers on their head. Most Polish chickens’ head feathers are a big round poof, but my Silver Laced Polish chicken, Queenie, looked like Elvis Presley with her head poof always leaning to one side. She was the silliest chicken I’ve ever owned!
Physical Characteristics
Silver Laced Polish chickens are considered medium-sized birds. Males typically weigh around 5-6 pounds, while females generally range from 4-5 pounds. These chickens are friendly and curious and they tend to be docile and can be quite social, making them excellent pets for families. Out of all of my Polish chickens, my Buff Laced is the most social. Roxanne is a fan favorite and has such a big personality. She loves to be held and told how wonderful she is! While my other Polish hens love to interact with their flock, they don’t always enjoy interacting with me.
Care and Maintenance
Like all chickens, Silver Laced Polish need a secure coop to protect them from predators. Their prominent head feathers can make them easy targets, so some owners trim these feathers to improve their visibility and safety. Providing a balanced diet is also crucial for their health. Offer high-quality layer feed, and supplement it with treats like fruits and vegetables. Daily treats like Happy Tract and Golden Graze are great for keeping them healthy and laying plenty of eggs with golden yolks! Lastly, always make sure fresh water is available, as chickens drink more water than you might expect!
Temperament and Socialization
Silver Laced Polish chickens are known for their friendly and curious nature. They tend to be quite docile, making them an excellent choice for families, especially those with children. These chickens enjoy interacting with people and can become quite social if handled regularly. However, it’s important to note that their temperament can vary slightly between individual birds.
Polish chickens are also very inquisitive, which can sometimes get them into trouble! Their large crest of feathers can limit their vision, making them more prone to startling easily. Because of this, they appreciate a calm and predictable environment. When they feel safe and secure, they are more likely to approach their human caretakers and even enjoy being held or petted.
Socialization is key to maintaining their friendly disposition. Spending time with your Polish chickens, offering treats by hand, and talking to them can help build trust and strengthen the bond between you and your flock.
They also do well in small groups, and it’s often recommended by breeders to keep more than one Polish chicken in your flock. They seem to enjoy the company of their own kind and form close-knit relationships with other chickens, often sticking together as a little group within the larger flock.
Overall, Silver Laced Polish chickens are a delight to have in any backyard flock. Their gentle and social nature makes them wonderful companions, and with a little care and attention, they can become an integral part of your family’s daily life.
Egg Production and More
Silver Laced Polish chickens are not typically kept for their egg production, but they do lay around 180 eggs per year. This egg output is moderate compared to other breeds. For example, high-production breeds like the Rhode Island Red or Leghorn can lay over 300 eggs annually, making them more suitable for those primarily interested in egg production.
The eggs laid by Silver Laced Polish chickens are typically small to medium-sized and white, which adds a unique touch to your egg basket compared to the brown eggs commonly laid by other backyard breeds. While they may not be your go-to choice if egg production is your main goal, their eggs are a pleasant bonus.
Ultimately, what sets Silver Laced Polish chickens apart is their stunning appearance and potential as show chickens. Their eye-catching silver-laced plumage and distinctive feathered crests make them stand out in any flock and a favorite at poultry shows. Many poultry enthusiasts keep Polish chickens specifically for exhibition.
So, while the egg production of Silver Laced Polish chickens may not rival that of other breeds, their striking looks, charming personality and show potential make them a great addition to any backyard flock!
Until Next Time,
The Wing Lady
Golden Graze - Treats for Quality Eggs & Golden Yolks Golden Graze is a daily chicken snack that promotes quality eggs with golden yolks and Omega-3 fatty acids. It contains oregano essential oils, multi-grains, cracked corn, oyster shells, marigold petals and flaxseed. Treat your hens to this healthy snack and enjoy eggsellent eggs.
Happy Tract - Treats for Digestive Healthy & Immunity
Happy Tract is a daily chicken snack that promotes digestive health in your flock. It contains oregano, cinnamon and thyme essential oils, prebiotics, multi-grains, cracked corn and sunflower seed. Treat your feathered friends to this healthy snack.