**At Humblebee Hatchery, we hatch on a pre-order basis, meaning we only incubate eggs that have already been reserved. This helps ensure every chick has a home waiting for it and prevents unnecessary hatching. Because of this, some orders may have a wait time. Please expect approximately 2–3 months for day-old chicks, with juveniles (4–12 weeks) and grow-outs (12+ weeks) requiring additional time as they must be raised to the appropriate age before going home. We appreciate your patience and are committed to raising healthy, well-started birds that are worth the wait!**
Estimated wait times vary by breed, season, fertility, and hatch success, and we will keep you updated throughout the process.
Our Lines are coming from the award winning farm Bantam Bungalow and the wonderful Melissa Schuckers! They are STUNNING Birds and we're happy to have them!
Breed: Polish
Large Fowl OR Bantam: Large Fowl
Color Variety: Color varieties: Polish chickens come in a wide array of colors and patterns, including: White Crested Black, White Crested Blue, WhiteGolden, LacedSilver ,LacedBuff LacedBlue, SplashFrizzle: Some varieties may also have frizzled feathers, giving them an extra fluffy appearance.
Egg Production: Good around 150-200 Per Year
Egg Color and Size: Medium White
Temperament: Very calm, gentle, curious, and friendly; they enjoy human interaction and make excellent pets
Origins: The Polish chicken isn't actually from Poland; its origins are murky, likely Central Europe/Asia, but the breed was refined in the Netherlands, where Dutch fanciers developed its signature crest, possibly naming it from the Dutch word "Pol" (head). They were known in Europe by the 1600s, popular in France for eggs, and arrived in America by the 1830s, becoming ornamental show birds due to superior egg layers like Leghorns emerging
Comb & Legs: Small V Shaped Combs, Clean Slate Grey Legs
Timeframe to Laying: 20-25 Weeks
Cold Hardy?: Yes with Considerations
Dual-Purpose?: No
What to Expect:
-Easily startled: Their large crest can limit their vision, making them easily startled or skittish by sudden movements or noises. It is recommended to approach them calmly and talk to them to avoid alarming them.
-Social: They are typically social birds and thrive in a flock environment, often forming close bonds with other Polish chickens.
-Non-aggressive: They are not generally aggressive towards humans or other chickens. However, their crest can make them a target for pecking by more aggressive breeds, so careful integration into a mixed flock is necessary.
-Crest care: The large crest can become waterlogged in cold or wet weather, potentially causing the chicken to get chilled. In such situations, it may be necessary to dry the crest or provide additional shelter.
-Predator vulnerability: Limited vision due to the crest can make Polish chickens more vulnerable to predators. Providing a secure and predator-proof coop and run is crucial.
-Housing: They may benefit from a more confined environment like a coop and run rather than free-ranging, due to their limited vision.