They are not kown for broodiness, and, if they do, are soon lose interest. If you want a hen that goes broody and mothers her chicks well, then Polish are not the right breed for you. Try to avoid mixing Polish chickens with Rhode Islands, Welsummers and other alert, active breeds. For this reason, it is better to mix them with other non-aggressive breeds including (but not limited to): Their docile nature and limited vision can make the Polish chicken the target of aggression from more dominant birds. If you want a bird that will also be suitable for the table, then there are other dual purpose breeds that are better for meat production. To avoid startling them, it’s best to talk softly when you approach, letting them know you’re there.įor anyone just starting out with chickens, they can be a suitable breed, particularly if you want something ornamental to look at which also provides you with some eggs. The downside to this is that it makes them prone to being nervous and flighty. The pom-pom head feathers of a Polish can often reduce their vision, making them easy to catch. If handled as young birds, they are easily tamed with regular gentle contact and the giving of treats. They are very docile with an even temper making them kid friendly and great for beginners. The appearance of a Polish chicken just makes you want to pick it up. This means that there are fewer than 5,000 breeding birds and a global population below 10,000. In chicks, this can be problematic as if a chick is pecked there, it can cause damage to the brain.Īlthough the Polish chicken is not classed as endangered, they are on the watch list. This is where the brain pushes up through a gap in the skull. The unusually shaped head has a downfall for the Polish, which is the instance of cerebral hernia. It results in the birds having a significantly enlarged brain compared to other chicken breeds and is associated with cognitive abilities. This forms a bony protuberance where the crest feathers sprout. The Polish chicken has an unusual skull that thrusts upwards towards the top of the head. Unable to leave his beloved chickens, he packed them in his luggage and took them with him. Polish chickens were once prized among the French aristocracy for their flamboyant, fancy appearance (which also resembled their tastes in fashion at the time.) There is a story that in 1736 the King of Poland was unseated and fled to France. Interesting Facts About the Polish Chicken This makes their pure breed history one of the longest recorded for chickens. The White Crested Polish chicken is part of a group of crested breed chickens that can be traced back for some 1,600 years.
They did, however, remain popular for use at exhibitions. It wasn’t long before this heritage chicken breed was replaced by other more prolific layers. The Polish chicken arrived in America during the 1800s and by 1850 were quite well established, just as they were in Europe, where they were used primarily for egg production. They featured in paintings of the 16th to 18th century by both Italian and Dutch artists and were also mentioned in the literature of the time. The Polish were popular in Europe not only for their unusual appearance but also for egg production. During the 18th Century, Dutch chicken fanciers are attributed with developing the breed and refining both the color patterns and crests of the fowl, making the plumage more prolific. Historians believe they were imported from Spain into the Netherlands when Spain inhabited the lowlands between 1579-1713. This wasn’t because such birds originated in Poland, but because their fancy top knot resembled that seen on top of the cap worn by Polish soldiers. Disease Resistance and Common Health ProblemsĬharles Darwin classified any chicken with a crest as a Polish or Crested chicken.Polish Chicken Breed Specifics & Traits.Interesting Facts About the Polish Chicken.Background & History of the Polish Breed.
0 kommentar(er)
