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Poultry BreedsPolands
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The Poland or Polish is a stunning crested breed with a history so old it is very difficult to trace the true origin, probably east European with very strong ties to Holland - the present day birds are most probably the result. Their history in England can be traced back to Roman times with skulls very similar to todays birds being discovered in a roman dig in Gloucester. |
The breed characteristics of this most unusual and beautiful bird is the crest; its crowning glory. The male carries a large shawl like crest as opposed to the females' dome shaped (chrysanthemum) like crest.
They are a soft feather light breed not suitable as a table bird but an extremely good layer of a pure white egg. Today they are kept purely as an ornamental breed by a growing number of dedicated enthusiasts.
Polands are basically a non-sitter and although you may get the very rare exception they do not make good parents.
The white crested varieties are non bearded, with the self coloured and laced varieties carrying a large muff or beard, they should be sprightly and erect in appearance with the crest as large as possible subject to this also being in balance with the rest of the bird.
The crest needs extra attention, care to keep the crest from becoming wet and dirty eliminates most of the problems that can be created in any crested fowl. Narrow lip drinkers are favoured to keep the crest in top condition also the use of pellet type food also help to avoid the mash type from sticking where it should not. (Basic common sense).
The British Poland Club.
Secretaries Mr T & Mrs C Beebe,
The Oaks,
84 Sutton Spring Wood,
Temple Normanton,
Chesterfield,
Derbyshire, S43 5DT.
email: terryjbeebe@aol.com