Varieties:
- White Crested Black
- Non-Bearded Golden
- Non-Bearded Silver
- Non-Bearded White
- Non-Bearded Buff Laced
- Bearded Golden
- Bearded Silver
- Bearded White
- Bearded Buff Laced
Standard Weights: Cock-6 pounds; hen-4-1/2 pounds; cockerel -5 pounds; pullet-4 pounds.
Skin Color: White.
Egg Shell Color: White.
Use: A strictly ornamental fowl.
Origin: Probably eastern Europe, although they are so old that their history has been obscured.
Characteristics: Polish are an unusual and beautiful breed. They have a crest (some also possess a beard and muffs), are small, tightly feathered birds, fairly active despite restricted vision due to their large "head gear." They need plenty of space to avoid damaging each other's crests by picking. Ice forming in their crests from drinking water can be a problem in cold weather. And sometimes their crests restrict vision and cause them to be easily frightened.
Content providers for this page include:
Dr. Joe Berry, Extension Poultry Specialist, Department of Animal Science, Oklahoma State University
Chicken Breeds and Varieties (A2880), John L. Skinner, University of Wisconsin-Madison