Polish chicken explained

Polish
Also Known As:Poland
Apa:continental
Aba:all other combs, clean legged
Maleweight:Standard: 2.75 kg
Bantam: 850 g
Femaleweight:Standard: 2 kg
Bantam: 740 g
Eggcolor:white
Comb:v-shaped
Type:Chicken
Latin:Gallus gallus domesticus

The Polish or Poland is a European breed of crested chicken. Its origins are unknown; similar birds are shown in seventeenth-century images from Italy and the Netherlands.

The birds have a small v-shaped comb and an abundant crest of feathers on the crown of the head. They are kept for show or for ornament. There are bearded, non-bearded and frizzle varieties.

Etymology

The origins of the breed's name in the English language are uncertain. The breed could have been named after the country of Poland.[1] Its name could have also come from the Middle Dutch word pol 'head' (compare origin of poll tax), in reference to the Polish's dome-shaped skull.[2]

In all other european countries, including Poland, the breed is known as "Dutch crest fowl" in the respective languages.[3]

History

Though the derivation of the Polish breed is unclear, one theory suggests that their ancestors were brought by Asian Mongols to Central and Eastern Europe during medieval times, and thus, could have originated in Poland. Crested chickens aree seen in paintings from the 15th century, and in Dutch and Italian paintings from the sixteenth to eighteenth centuries.

Though usually only a fair layer at best today, in France they were formerly kept for their eggs. Three colour varieties were included in the first edition of the Standard of Perfection in 1874; additional varieties were added in 1883, 1938 and 1963.

Characteristics

The Polish has a small v-shaped comb, which may be hidden by the crest. The earlobes and wattles are small and may also be completely hidden. Some varieties possess "beards" and thus may also hide the appearance of the wattles. The earlobes are white, the comb and wattles bright red.

Notes and References

  1. Book: Damerow, Gail. The chicken encyclopedia. 31 January 2012 . Storey Pub.. North Adams, MA. 978-1-60342-561-2. 208.
  2. Book: Bassom, Frances. Chicken breeds & care : a color directory of the most popular breeds and their care. 2009. Firefly Books. Buffalo, N.Y.. 978-1-55407-473-0. 107. 1..
  3. Web site: Listing of large fowl breeds and colors accepted in Europe . . March 15, 2024 . July 11, 2024 .