Crested Polish Chooks

 Polish are considered a rare breed of poultry yet their numbers are growing due to quite a number of enthusiastic breeders around the world.

Suggestion has it that the breed originated in Poland,although there is little or no evidence to connect Poland with the Polish chicken.

It has also been suggested that the breed were imported from Holland as records from 1842 describe.

The breed can be traced back to the 1500's whence they were known as Padaun or Pativian fowl.They have also been known as Poularders (meaning "fatted chicken" in French).Today they are known mostly as Poland's or Polish.

The Polish is related to several other breeds including but not limited to the Houdan and the Sultan,both also rare breeds.

Polish are a non-broody breed of poultry so for successful breeding you will require an incubator and/or a broody hen. I use both methods and the Belgian's make brilliant mothers as do my little Xbreed hens.

Polish are not a prolific layer but will lay 3-5 eggs a week in the correct environment and with good quality feed.

Polish can only see what is in front of them due to their crests and therefore are not for everyone. They do get a fright if they don't see you coming so as a rule I always call out to mine so that they know I am about.

Some Polish do require their crests to be "cut back" seasonally (as it grows back after they moult),especially if they are blessed with a huge crest.All care should be taken when doing this so as not to poke them in the eye

Large crests have been bred into the breed over time so that they stand out in a show pen...the Australian Poultry Standards Board are reviewing the standard and revising it so that it will state that the crest must not inhibit the birds vision,this is something the board should be applauded for.

Polish do not require a lot of room but do like to free-range daily. I have found their crow to be less abrasive than other breeds and mine live happily in surburbia without annoying the neighbours.

Polish are susceptible to all poultry diseases but again due to their crests eye infection is probably the bigger health problem I have found with the breed.