The reputation of Polish chickens precedes them.
However, their reputation is mainly about their appearance, which is not all this exciting breed offers.
There is also so much more information a smart chicken keeper needs to know before purchasing some new baby chicks.
Polish chickens are usually friendly and non-aggressive; even the roosters tend to be calmer than most breeds of chicken. However, an aggressive Polish rooster is not unheard of, so it is important to be well-equipped with knowledge and other resources before raising roosters of any breed.
An aggressive bird will cause all sorts of trouble in the coop, often harming other chickens or people.
Keep reading for tips on how to handle aggression from your chickens.
We’ll also cover more information on Polish chicken temperament and habits.
Where Are Polish Chickens on the Pecking Order?
Polish birds generally rest at the bottom of the pecking order.
Many backyard chicken keepers consider them the perfect bird to raise alongside Silkies or other quiet breeds.
Polish roosters may seem aggressive as they assert dominance in a flock.
This usually only happens if they are no longer larger roosters in the family.
While the infamous crest of feathers on a Polish chicken’s head sometimes makes them appear taller than they are, there are plenty of larger birds out there.
For example, the Plymouth Rock and Buff Brahma are much larger!
A Polish rooster will not likely become the most feared bird in your coop unless poorly cared for.
If you are inexperienced in raising grown roosters, it is extremely important to do research on training before you buy males!
It is, unfortunately, very easy to end up with an aggressive rooster, even with calmer breeds like Polish chickens.
This mostly happens when you do not understand the ins and outs of keeping full-grown roosters.
This being said, if you keep any number of other roosters, it is quite likely the other breed will be the dominant rooster.
This means your Polish bird is more likely to be the victim of aggressive roosters in the coop.
Protecting the Polish varieties from other, more aggressive birds is more of a concern to most people with backyard flocks.
The important thing is you are willing to be the flock protector and keep an eye on all your chickens.
If any of your layers are missing feathers or having difficulty walking, they may suffer at the hands of one of your other birds.
Further Reading: Determining If Polish Chicken Is Male Or Female
Understanding Aggressive Roosters
The ability to train roosters comes with time, practice, and understanding, but it is part of good flock care.
You will have a harder time choosing to train your bird if you do not know what causes its behavior.
It is certainly scary when your rooster tries to attack you for the first time, and it is often extremely confusing for us too!
Why is this bird you have cared for, and who has been so friendly until now, suddenly acting up?
In truth, there are two main reasons a once-perfect bird will go against their docile nature:
- Dominance
- Territory
Your males of the Polish breed are not immune to these two instinctual desires, which is why roosters always require extra care.
The dominant rooster in your coop has control of the territory and often works hard to maintain his power and control.
This is done through bullying and rampant vocalization (crowing and clucking).
Related Post: Do Polish Chickens Crow?
Some people think they will be intimidating to their aggressive rooster simply because of their superior size.
Surprisingly, though, size is not a big determinant here! A small rooster could pick on their larger flock mates with the right attitude.
The trick to training an aggressive chicken is often making them believe you are the dominant rooster.
The size of the Polish or other roosters does not impact this perception.
Behavior does.
If you need help learning how to train your rooster, look to a professional in your area or online.
Further Reading: Polish Hens Vs. Roosters: Telling The Difference
Aggression in Polish Breeds
As previously stated, of all the chicken breeds available, Polish varieties are not the most likely to cause you problems.
They are usually known simply as docile chickens and reliable egg layers.
Related Post: Polish Chicken Egg Guide
You’ll love their adorable crest feathers and strong personalities.
But a Polish layer that acts aggressively may be cause for concern.
Here are some questions to consider asking yourself when your birds start acting up:
- Are my chickens getting enough food and water?
- Does my flock have enough space?
- Is their coop warm or cool enough?
- Is my Polish bird sick?
- Do their head feathers need tending?
Simple safety questions are great for helping with big problems from time to time.
Polish chickens (and other crested chickens) need extra care compared with many common chickens, so it is especially important to check in with your Polish flock regularly.
More on Caring for the Polish Breed
These inquisitive birds are not cold-hardy, so raising them through a damp winter or in a generally cold climate is tough!
You will have a harder time keeping them happy and healthy if you live in these conditions.
Warmer climates are much safer for them, as is a dryer environment.
However, giving them access to cold water and shade in especially hot weather is still a necessity!
Another issue specific to Polish flocks is restricted vision and eye infections.
These struggles are due to the crest of feathers on every Polish bird’s head.
While the crest feathers are adorable and make chickens of this ornamental breed an excellent choice of beautiful exhibition birds, they come with a new set of challenges!
Part of Polish flock care is keeping an eye on those crest feathers and keeping them trimmed down.
To avoid eye infections, limited vision, and other problems, it is crucial you help your birds with those feathers.
Their ability to protect themselves and generally live happy, healthy lives depends on this extra care.
This is a friendly breed and the perfect choice for anyone who likes raising show birds or layers and does not mind taking extra time to tend to a soft feather crest.
Further Reading: Tips On Raising For Polish Chickens
Polish Chickens Won’t Fight You
Polish chickens may not be the best choice for new owners, but they are solid options because of their calm personalities.
They lack aggression and fit in well with most mixed flocks, so check out these cool-looking birds for yourself!
You’ll be surprised how sweet they are!
