Polish Chicken

Looks how to spot one

Soft feather with a large feather crest; bearded, non-bearded and frizzle forms

The Polish is instantly recognisable by the big pompom of feathers on its head, which sits on a raised dome in the skull. It has a small V-shaped comb, small white earlobes and, in some varieties, a beard and muffs. Hens lay white eggs.132

Personality what they are like

Generally calm and gentle, though they can be easily startled because the crest limits what they can see.2

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Moderate; they enjoy foraging in a secure, covered run where their limited view is less of a concern.24

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Chickens keep their own feathers in order by preening and dust bathing, so the main jobs are a dry dust-bath area, clean dry bedding, daily flock checks and regular egg collection. The crest needs extra attention: it can get soaked in wet weather, so dry, well-ventilated housing and shelter from rain help keep it in good order. Hens lay about 150 white eggs a year.2

Home where they are happiest

A secure, dry, well-ventilated but draught-free coop with perches and nest boxes, plus a fenced run with a patch of dry soil for dust bathing. The RSPCA suggests about 1 m² of indoor space per bird where possible. Because the crest restricts vision, a covered, secure run and shade suit them best; they are happiest in dry, mild conditions.45

Food basics what goes in the bowl

A complete commercial poultry ration is the base: chick starter, then grower, then layer feed once hens begin laying. Provide insoluble grit, oyster shell as extra calcium for laying hens, and constant clean water.45

Company who they like around

Chickens are flock animals that forage, roost and dust bathe together, so keep at least three birds that get along.4

The story where it all began

Crested chickens like the Polish appear in European paintings from the 1400s onwards, and the breed was developed further in the Netherlands in the 18th century. It was shown at London's first poultry show in 1845, standardised in Britain in 1865, reached America in the 1830s and was part of the first American Standard in 1874.123

Recognised by the official bits

The Poultry Club of Great Britain

Standardised as the Poland, a soft feather light breed; standardised in 1865 with white-crested black, gold and silver.3

American Poultry Association

In the first Standard of Perfection in 1874; bearded varieties added 1883, non-bearded buff laced 1938 and non-bearded white-crested blue 1963.2

The Livestock Conservancy

Listed in the Recovering category.2