Polish

That crest is the feature people notice first on Polish chickens. It’s unusual, and makes them look kind of wacky. That was what Eva Le Gallienne keyed on when she called the Polish chicken in her book, Flossie and Bossie, The Lunatic. In the book, The Lunatic is unable to settle down to set on eggs, and is removed from the nest by The Hands.

It’s a very sweet book, now out of print. The illustrations are by Garth Williams, who did the famous illustrations in the Little House on the Prairie Series. This drawing shows The Lunatic’s scene as she goes crazy while the other hens are peacefully setting on their eggs.

Le Gallienne was an actress, producer and director from the 1920s through the 1960s. She did some writing, and Flossie and Bossie was published in 1949. You may be able to find it in your local library.

Polish chickens are recognized in the Continental Class. They are small chickens, at 6 lbs. for a mature male and 4 ½ lbs. for a hen. Four varieties of Polish chickens are recognized in the APA’s first Standard in 1874, all non-bearded: White Crested Black, Golden, Silver and White. Bearded Golden, Silver, White and Buff Laced were admitted to the Standard in 1883. The non-bearded Buff Laced variety was admitted in 1938, the non-bearded White Crested Blue in 1963 and the non-bearded Black Crested White in 1996.

Polish Bantams are also shown, in 14 varieties in the All Other Comb Clean Leg category. They are one of the 16 most popular breeds.

Belonging to a breed club is a wonderful way to be in contact with others who share your enthusiasm. Contact the Polish Club through Jim Parker,RR #6, 3232 Schooler Road, Cridersville, OH 45806, e-mail: polishman@woh.rr.com.