Polish/Paduan Chickens

Origin The true origin of the breed is still highly speculated, but the debated places of origin include: Eastern Europe, Russia, Spain, and Italy. The breed is thought to have arrived in America between 1830 and 1840. The breed derived Polish as its name because of the feathered crest on the chicken’s head, which resembles the feathered caps worn by Polish soldiers. The breed derived Paduan as a name after Italy’s Padua city.

Characteristics Recognized by the large feathered crest on the top of its head. Occasionally the crest will alter the chicken’s sight because it is so large. Usually divided into two groups known as White Crested and Paduaner. White Crested: typically non-bearded, has wattles, and comes in the colors of black, blue, and cuckoo. Paduaner: typically bearded and comes in the colors of black, blue, white, chamois, gold, and silver laced.

Characteristics (Cont.) Average hens weigh about 4.5 lbs. and average roosters weigh about 6 lbs. Not a very good breed to use for meat because they were originally developed for laying and are known for their white eggs. They are hardly ever broody. They usually need an incubator chicken to hatch their eggs. Because they are so beautiful, they are mostly bred as pets.

Sources http://keepingpetchickens.org/breeds-of-chickens/poland-chickens-polish-paduaner/ http://www.backyardpoultrymag.com/issues/2/2-2/Terry_Beebe.html http://www.albc-usa.org/cpl/polish.html http://www.raising-chickens.org/polish.html