Question About Polish Chickens

[ChickenGirl555]

I am going to get fertilized polish eggs in spring and giving them to whoever goes broody first to raise (Since I don't want a rooster). I have all of that figured out, and since it will be spring they will be plenty feathered out by next winter (WI winters are very harsh sometimes) but they don't have as big/much feathers as my hardier breeds I have now (Easter Egger, Buff Orps, Barred Rocks). So I'm asking, how much can they handle? (The age will depend on when the hen goes broody in spring)

 

[sourland]

In my experience, Polish are quite winter hardy. One thing you will have to keep an eye on is how they function in a mixed flock. Sometimes other breeds peck at the crests of Polish when kept in mixed flocks. Good luck with them.

 

[ChickenGirl555]

In my experience, Polish are quite winter hardy. One thing you will have to keep an eye on is how they function in a mixed flock. Sometimes other breeds peck at the crests of Polish when kept in mixed flocks. Good luck with them.

Thanks, but do you think they would bully as much as normal, because they are going to be raised by the flock, or if it does happen will it be because (I've hear of this) some chickens think they are so pretty (haha) and want to peck at it?

 

[Poultrybreeder]

Hi. I'd make sure to have some place warm for them if needed in the winter. Mypetchicken sells coop heaters, have you tried those? I hope this helps! Have a great day and God Bless!

 

[wamtazlady]

My Polish had no problems even when the temperatures got to -11. I have also heard of the crests being plucked by other breeds of chickens. I didn't have that problem.

 

[sourland]

Thanks, but do you think they would bully as much as normal, because they are going to be raised by the flock, or if it does happen will it be because (I've hear of this) some chickens think they are so pretty (haha) and want to peck at it?

Some flocks never have a problem with them, and hopefully that will be the case with yours. I doubt that it's chicken 'jealousy'. More likely that because of their reduced ability to see (large crests) they are just more vulnerable to pecking.

 

[ChickenGirl555]

Some flocks never have a problem with them, and hopefully that will be the case with yours. I doubt that it's chicken 'jealousy'. More likely that because of their reduced ability to see (large crests) they are just more vulnerable to pecking.

Well I hope I don’t have a problem, and I don’t think I will because my pullets are pretty calm and sweet now. (It was ending summer break when they were chicks, so I was able to play with them more)

 

[ChickenGirl555]

My Polish had no problems even when the temperatures got to -11.

Well that’s good, plus they’ll have the time to mature in spring. And WI is a little confusing unless you grew up here like I did. It’s FREEZING in winter and super hot in summer.

 

[Ruralhideaway]

My polish did great in cold winters. They were never picked on too much but mine free ranged so had space. I developed the habit of giving them small haircuts so they could see better. No idea if that's a good idea in general but a little bang trim helped them find the barn at night. Without it they were always getting lost. Ridiculous. But they were sweet birds.

 

[Cindysrescue]

I have silkies with BR and SLW hens, no one ever pecks their crests. Right now there's only one silkie with the big girls as the other two are in broody breakers. They don't pick on her at all. As for freezing temps, I don't know. If you want I can knit them sweaters! I'm making some for my modern game bantam and d'uccle pullets for the winter.