About the Silver Laced Polish
Silver Laced Polish are a striking crested variety distinguished by their contrasting silver-white and black plumage. Each feather has a pale silver-white centre surrounded by sharply defined black lacing, creating the crisp patterned appearance that gives the variety its name.
Like other Polish, they are primarily kept as ornamental and exhibition birds, although hens also produce useful numbers of white eggs. They are generally gentle birds, but their large crest can restrict their vision and make them more easily startled by sudden movement or unfamiliar surroundings.
History & Origin
The precise origin of the Polish is uncertain. Despite its English name, there is no clear evidence that the breed originated in Poland. It is an old European breed associated particularly with the Netherlands and other parts of continental Europe, where crested poultry have been known for centuries.
Polish were recognised as a distinct type by at least the sixteenth century. Dutch breeders are credited with refining the breed’s colour patterns and developing the enormous crest that has become its defining characteristic.
Polish in Australia
The breed is recognised in Australia in both large and bantam forms and is maintained principally as an exhibition, ornamental and heritage breed.
Characteristics
Egg colour: White.
Egg size: Medium.
Average egg production: Approximately 150–200 eggs per year, averaging around 3–4 eggs per week across the year.
Weekly egg figures are annual averages. Actual laying varies with age, season, daylight, nutrition and individual bird.
Day-old sexing: Silver Laced Polish are not an autosexing or sex-linked breed, so males and females cannot be reliably distinguished by colour at hatch. Sex generally becomes clearer as the crest, comb and sex-specific feathering develop.
Temperament: Generally gentle but often timid, easily startled and somewhat flighty. The large crest can restrict a Polish bird’s vision, meaning a bird may react suddenly when approached from outside its field of view. Regular calm handling can make them considerably easier to manage.
Broodiness: Low. Polish hens are generally regarded as non-sitters and are not normally relied upon for broodiness.
Notable features: Silver Laced Polish are distinguished by their large, rounded crest and striking laced plumage. Each feather has a silver-white centre surrounded by contrasting black edging, creating the crisp laced appearance characteristic of the variety. Their prominent crest can restrict vision, so care should be taken around predators and when approaching birds suddenly.
Hardiness: Polish can cope well under normal poultry-keeping conditions, but their crest requires additional management. Restricted vision can leave them more vulnerable to predators and bullying from other birds, while wet or dirty crest feathers can cause problems around the eyes. Crests should be regularly checked for parasites and kept clean and dry where possible
Rare Breed Status
The large Polish is currently classified as WATCH by the Rare Breeds Trust of Australia. RBTA assesses rarity at breed and size level rather than individual colour variety, so this WATCH classification applies to large Polish generally rather than specifically to the Blue variety.
Current Availability
See what’s currently available from Deb’s Heritage Hens.