Care & how-to
Polish Chickens: The Crested "Top Hat" Breed
Polish chickens are the flock's showpieces: light, active birds with a huge pom-pom crest of feathers on a bony dome on the skull. They lay about 150 white eggs a year, rarely go broody, and are friendly but easily startled, because the crest blocks much of their vision. They need a dry coop, protection from hawks, and extra care in cold, wet weather.
By Matt GarnettUpdated November 14, 20264 min read2 sources
Origins and names
Nobody knows exactly where the Polish chicken came from. The Livestock Conservancy notes that crested birds like them appear in Dutch and Italian paintings from the 1400s onward, and that Dutch breeders in the 1700s refined their colors and crests. Despite the name, there is no clear proof the breed came from Poland; it has also been called Poland, Paduan and Tophat.
Polish chickens reached America around 1830 to 1840 and were widespread by 1850. They lost ground as egg layers to the Leghorn and have been kept mainly for exhibition and as ornamental pets ever since. The American Poultry Association recognized the first varieties in 1874, and the breed is listed as recovering by the Conservancy. Our chicken coop guide covers how much room Polish hens need, and our backyard chicken supplies cover the rest of the setup.
The crest, beard and varieties
The crest grows from a bony prominence on top of the skull. Hens carry a neat, round pom-pom, while roosters have a looser, messier mop of pointed feathers, which is one of the easiest ways to tell the sexes apart as they grow. Males have a small V-shaped comb that is usually hidden in the crest, plus white earlobes, red wattles and unusually large nostrils.
Varieties include White Crested Black, Golden, Silver, White, Buff Laced and White Crested Blue, in non-bearded and bearded forms; bearded birds have extra feathers on the face. The Conservancy lists weights of about 6 pounds for roosters and 4.5 pounds for hens, and bantam Polish are also popular.
Eggs and broodiness
Polish hens lay about 150 medium to large white eggs a year, according to The Livestock Conservancy. They start somewhat late in the season but lay persistently once they begin. Their white earlobes fit the general rule the extension service describes: white lobes usually mean white eggs.
They are non-sitters that rarely go broody, so you will need an incubator or a broody hen of another breed to hatch Polish chicks. They are kept more for looks and personality than for the egg basket, so pair them with a productive layer if eggs matter to you.
Temperament and vision
Polish chickens are friendly and curious but nervous and easily startled, because the crest falls over their eyes and limits what they can see. The Conservancy advises talking as you approach so they know you are there. They are light, capable fliers and may roost in trees, so a covered run is helpful.
Limited vision also makes them vulnerable to hawks and slower to react to danger, and more timid birds can be bullied by bossier breeds. Many keepers trim the feathers around the eyes or tie the crest back gently so the birds can see. Keep them with other calm, small breeds, and watch new introductions closely.
Is a Polish chicken right for you?
Choose Polish chickens if you want a striking, conversation-starting bird for a small backyard chicken flock, an exhibition breed, or a friendly pet for a dry, warm or mild climate. They lay a respectable number of white eggs and fit well with other gentle, small breeds.
Look elsewhere if you live somewhere cold and wet, free-range in hawk country, or want a broody hen or a high egg count. With a covered run, a dry coop, a little crest care and calm handling, Polish chickens are rewarding, long-lived companions.
Housing and care
The Conservancy says Polish chickens prefer dry, warm conditions and handle heat well if shaded, but struggle in cold, wet weather, when a soaked crest can chill the bird and frozen crest feathers become a risk. Give them a dry, well-ventilated coop, a covered run, and waterers that keep the crest out of the water, such as nipple drinkers or narrow cups.
Check the crest regularly, because mites and lice hide there and wet, matted feathers can lead to skin problems. Call a vet who treats poultry if a bird has crusty or swollen skin under the crest, stops eating, has watery or swollen eyes, or seems lethargic.
This page is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace advice from a veterinarian who treats poultry.
Common questions
Do Polish chickens lay eggs?
Yes. Polish hens lay about 150 medium to large white eggs a year. They start laying somewhat late in the season but are persistent once they begin, and they rarely go broody.
Can Polish chickens see?
They can, but the crest blocks much of their vision. That makes them easily startled and vulnerable to hawks. Trimming feathers around the eyes and talking as you approach both help.
Are Polish chickens friendly?
They are friendly and curious, but nervous because they cannot see well. With calm, regular handling they often become tame, and they do best with other gentle breeds.
How do you tell a Polish hen from a rooster?
As they mature, hens grow a neat, round crest while roosters grow a messier, spiky crest of pointed feathers. Roosters also develop longer hackle and tail feathers and begin to crow.
Sources we checked
This guide is general information, not veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell or injured, contact your veterinarian.
