Impossible to mistake, the Polish wears an enormous pom-pom crest of feathers that can nearly cover its eyes. An old ornamental breed of uncertain origin — likely Eastern Europe or the Netherlands — it's kept mainly for show and personality, laying a fair number of small white eggs. Generally gentle and non-aggressive, Polish can be skittish or easily startled simply because that crest limits their vision, so calm handling helps. The crest also waterlogs and freezes, so they need dry, sheltered housing and aren't suited to harsh winters.
Beginner friendly
Good with kids
Heat tolerant
Egg colorWhite
Egg production150–200 / year
TemperamentDocile
BroodinessRare
ClimateHeat tolerant
PurposeEggs, Show
Weight
Large fowl (Standard size)
Hen4–4.5 lb
Rooster5–6 lb
Bantam (Miniature size)
Hen1.2–1.4 lb
Rooster1.5–1.7 lb
How to spot it
CombV-shaped
Almost none — a tiny V-shaped horn comb hidden under the crest
Earlobes
White, often buried in the muffs when bearded
Legs & feet
Clean slate-blue legs, four toes
Look for
The huge globe of head feathers erupting from a bony skull knob — nothing else looks like it
Varieties
Bearded Buff Laced
Bearded Silver
Buff Laced
Golden Laced
White
White Crested Black
Splash
Bearded BuffBearded GoldenBearded WhiteBearded White Crested BlackBearded White Crested BlueBlack Crested WhiteCrestedGoldenBlackBuffSilverWhite Crested BlueSilver LacedTolbuntWhite Crested CuckooBarred White CrestedBearded BlueBuff CrestedChocolateKhakiChocolate KhakiBlueCuckoo
V-shaped
