Polish - Chicken
Polish, or Poland, chickens are an old breed that is primarily kept for exhibition purposes. It is an unusual looking bird that has a crest of feathers on its head. This crest can often be so large that it restricts vision. The crest also causes other problems such as the birds get startled easily due to not being able to see well, or being unable to preen themselves properly.
They are not a hardy breed and have a tendency to catch colds if their crests get damp, so they should be kept undercover in wet weather. They are not suitable for beginner poultry keepers as they require a lot of care and attention. The origin of this breed is not fully known, yet it has been prominent throughout Europe and has been classed as a pure breed since the 16th century.
The hens are average layers and produce around 120 eggs per year. They have a good temperament and enjoy human contact. There are different color varieties and some have beards. The mature males weigh around 2.7 kg and the females weigh 2 kg.