Silver Laced Polish Chicken

Silver Laced Polish Chicken

The Chicken Coop Company offers for sale the bearded variety of the Silver Laced Polish chicken breed. While the breed's origins are believed to be from the Netherlands, it gained its name when it was brought from Poland and introduced to England. This breed is one of the oldest domesticated poultry, with records of its existence dating back to the sixteenth century. Several Polish varieties were officially recognized by the American Standard of Perfection between 1874 and 1996.

The Polish breed is renowned for its beauty and ornamental value, making it a favorite in exhibitions and shows. Both bearded and non-bearded varieties can be seen at poultry shows across the United States. The Silver Laced Polish chicken is especially eye-catching, known for its full crest of feathers that emerge from a knob on the skull, along with large nostrils. Its stunning plumage consists of silvery white feathers, each elegantly laced with shiny black. Breeders have dedicated years to perfecting this distinct black lacing. Hens of this breed lay small white eggs but are known to be non-setters, meaning they do not frequently brood.

The Chicken Coop Company also offers other bearded varieties, including Golden Laced Polish, White Polish, and Buff Laced Polish. For the non-bearded variety, they offer White Crested Black Polish, Blue Polish, and Splash Polish.

Health and Care:

• Hardy and Adaptable: The Silver Laced Polish chicken is generally hardy, but like other Polish chickens, it can be sensitive to extreme weather due to its large crest of feathers, which can obstruct vision. They thrive in cooler climates and may struggle in hot weather, so it’s important to ensure they have access to shade and fresh water during the summer months to avoid heat stress.
  
  
  
• Disease Resistance: Polish chickens, including the Silver Laced variety, are generally healthy and disease-resistant. However, they are more vulnerable to parasites like mites and lice, especially around the crest and head feathers, so regular grooming and feather care are important. It's also essential to maintain a clean coop and provide good ventilation.
  
  
  
• Feather Care: The large crest of feathers on the Silver Laced Polish can sometimes become tangled or matted, so regular grooming and cleaning are necessary to keep the bird comfortable. Ensuring that their crest remains clean and free from parasites will help avoid health issues, as it can obstruct their vision or become an irritant.

Egg Laying:

• Moderate Egg Production: The Silver Laced Polish chicken is considered a moderate egg layer. They typically produce around 150-200 white eggs annually. While they are not as prolific as some other breeds, they still provide a reliable supply of eggs for personal use.
  
  
• Seasonal Laying: Like most chickens, the Silver Laced Polish will experience a decrease in egg production during the winter months when daylight hours are shorter. However, with supplemental lighting in the winter months, they can continue to lay eggs consistently.
  
  
• Small to Medium White Eggs: The eggs they lay are small to medium in size and white in color. They are ideal for home kitchens or small-scale egg production.
  
  

Temperament:

• Gentle and Friendly: The Silver Laced Polish is known for its docile, friendly, and gentle temperament. They are easy to handle and get along well with people, making them excellent pets for families or beginner chicken keepers. Their calm nature makes them approachable and pleasant to interact with.
  
  
• Social and Peaceful: These chickens are typically social and enjoy the company of other chickens. They are not aggressive and tend to be peaceful, which makes them well-suited for a mixed-flock setting. They generally coexist well with other breeds and are tolerant of other chickens.
  
  
• Shy and Timid: While generally friendly, Silver Laced Polish chickens can sometimes be shy or nervous, especially if they are startled or if their vision is obstructed by their large crest. Because they can’t see well around them, they may be more cautious or skittish compared to other breeds.
  
  
  

Appearance:

• Striking Silver Laced Plumage: The Silver Laced Polish is famous for its beautiful feather pattern. The body is mostly white, with black edges on the feathers that form a laced pattern. This creates a visually stunning contrast and makes them one of the most ornamental and attractive chicken breeds.
  
  
• Distinctive Feather Crest: The most defining feature of the Silver Laced Polish is its large crest of feathers on its head. The crest can obstruct the bird’s vision, but it adds to its unique and charming appearance. The crest is typically fluffy and soft, making the bird look even more regal and showy.
  
  
• Medium Size: The Silver Laced Polish chicken is a medium-sized bird, with hens typically weighing around 4-5 pounds and roosters weighing about 5-6 pounds. They are light and agile but have a compact, attractive body frame.
  
  
• Feathered Legs: Unlike some other ornamental breeds, the Silver Laced Polish does not have feathered legs, which keeps its appearance sleek and refined. Their clean legs add to their elegant look.
  
  
• Single Comb and Wattles: The Silver Laced Polish has a single comb, which is medium-sized and upright. Their red wattles and earlobes provide a nice contrast against their white plumage and black lacing, enhancing their appearance.

Are Polish chickens good egg layers?
Polish chickens lay small white eggs. While they are not the most prolific layers, they are reliable producers of eggs, typically averaging 120 to 150 eggs per year.

How do I care for the crest of a Polish chicken?
The crest on a Polish chicken requires some extra care to avoid matting or obstruction of vision. It's recommended to regularly check and trim the feathers around the eyes if necessary, and ensure their coop stays clean to avoid dirt buildup in the crest.

Are Silver Laced Polish chickens friendly?
Yes, Silver Laced Polish chickens are known for their calm and gentle temperament. They are curious and can be quite friendly with regular interaction, making them good pets.

Do Polish chickens handle cold weather well?
Polish chickens are not particularly cold-hardy due to their large crests, which can become wet and frozen in cold conditions. It’s important to provide a dry, draft-free coop during the winter months.

• Poultry Show Class: Continental Class
  
• Weights – Hen—–4 1/2 lbs
  Rooster——6 lbs
  Pullet—4 lbs
  
• Cockerel—–5 lbs
  
• Purpose and Type: Egg Laying; Exhibition
  
• Egg Shell Color: White
  
• Egg Production: Good
  
• Egg Size: Medium
  
• Temperament: Docile/Flighty
  
• Fertility Percentage: 40-55%
  
• Broody: Non Setters
  
• Mating Ratio: 7 Females to 1 Male
  
• Roost Height: 2 to 4 feet
  
• Country of Origin – Netherlands
  
• APA: Yes, Recognized by the American Standard of Perfection in 1883
  
• TLC: Recovering Status, Considered a sustainable heritage chicken breed.
  
• Breeder Farm Source: Poultry Breeding Farm developing our bloodline or strain of color varieties of the Polish chicken since 1971.