How can you not fall in LOVE with a tiny bantam polish?
With their stunning plumage--these birds are show stoppers!
Polish chick, hates the photo op
Its very interesting to watch them develop- from wirey little chicks into gorgeous grown chickens. Of course, this is a bantam breed, so they will never be any larger than 3.5 pounds or so-half the size of the standard large breed Polish chicken.
Special care for your polish:
With enormous crest feathers, these little chickens have a difficult time seeing their surroundings after about 4-5 months of age-- their crest "top knots" are just too big!
* They also have flight feathers, & can easily fly up into your trees unless you trim their wings. (this is a pain-less procedure that when done properly, doesn't hurt the chicken at all) Because of this, they need to be monitored closely if they are allowed to "free-range" in your yard. Chances are they won't travel too far since they have difficulty with their peripheral vision but are especially vulnerable to predators. They enjoy spending theirtime roosting from above while making slight "coo-ing" sounds of happiness.
This breed is well worth all the effort to maintain their good-looks!
We have found most Polishes to be very friendly and non-aggressive. Little chicks enjoy spending time on your lap or nestled up near your neck for warmth. Grown hens and roos can be held and stroked like beloved pets. When well-socialized as chicks, they grow up to be very fun & entertaining additions to your flock.
^ Oh my frizzle!
You may be wondering, WHAT is with this frizzle thing?
Frizzle is a type of curled feathering that causes a birds feathers to develop turned upwards (or different directions) instead of smooth feathering.
This is a genetic trait, passed on through specified breeding. A bird is born frizzled feathered-- or smooth feathered. They will not "become" frizzled later on.
They are simply FABULOUS!
A mini note about Polish:
This is why you trim their wings--- ViVi loves to perch on top of the patio umbrella! I have to stand on a chair to coax her down at night for bedtime.
Sigh......poor little chicken:
"Freckles" a cuckoo frizzle is an example of how vulnerable small Polish chicks can be (and all chicks for that matter) to any kind of predator.
She was "abducted" by a neighbors cat in the backyard, in plain view. She was the easiest victim, oblivious to everything. She was taken over a fence, into another yard, & played with by other cats before I could find her.
Her right wing was severed (practically removed) --very icky.
*I could have prevented her abduction by supervising her more closely when she was outside- I wasn't paying attention*
Freckles LOVES her pain medication! :)
*I am sharing this sad story because I don't want anyone else to go through this. In my opinion, Polish just need a little bit more supervision than other poultry. "Freckles" is alive & well. She is a healthy hen now, but she will never fly- her wing droops towards the ground. I felt so guilty that I spent my Christmas fund for her emergency care! She is not even grateful! She's a chicken.