Polish Chick

[Wendy E]

I live in Northern Wisconsin and am a first-time chicken owner. I purchased 6 pullets from L & M Supply last Thursday. 2 Barred Plymouth Rocks, 2 Wyandottes, 1 Mystery (I think it's a Welsummer), and a Buff-laced Polish. I didn't realize how much smaller the Polish will be compared to the others, and now I am worried she will be bullied. I've been so worried, I'm waking up at night! Any advice?

 

[HollowOfWisps]

I live in Northern Wisconsin and am a first-time chicken owner. I purchased 6 pullets from L & M Supply last Thursday. 2 Barred Plymouth Rocks, 2 Wyandottes, 1 Mystery (I think it's a Welsummer), and a Buff-laced Polish. I didn't realize how much smaller the Polish will be compared to the others, and now I am worried she will be bullied. I've been so worried, I'm waking up at night! Any advice?

Polish are slow growers and eventually reach a similar size to other mid sized breeds, but the problem is their crests. Other chickens love to pluck their crests. Sometimes it can work, but I personally never recommend polish in a mixed flock unless you can have multiple polish (they tend to segregate from other non crested breeds) and have a lot of space to prevent bullying.

 

[Wendy E]

I read a recommendation to have at least 3 if you have a mixed flock. I'm not sure I'm ready for this, but can I add 2 more this week? They would be a week apart. I feel so bad about this!

 

[Ridgerunner]

A "large-fowl" Polish should weigh around 5 pounds when grown. Hens of your other breeds should weigh maybe 6 pounds. A "bantam" Polish should weigh around 2 pounds when fully grown. I do not know which you have. Maybe you could ask L&M Supply?

Some people have problems adding bantam to full sized fowl, regardless of breeds. Some don't. Some have problems adding Polish or Silkies to standard breeds. Some don't. Some people have problems adding Barred Rocks or Wyandotte to Barred Rocks or Wyandotte. Some don't. Often if they are raised together it is not a problem. Sometimes it is. It just seems to work this way with living animals, you don't get guarantees one way or the other.

Worry is interest paid before it is due. You can worry yourself sick and lose sleep over this if you wish. You can observe and take action only if you need to. You can rehome that Polish now if it makes you feel better. You have several options.

Good luck!

 

[Wendy E]

A "large-fowl" Polish should weigh around 5 pounds when grown. Hens of your other breeds should weigh maybe 6 pounds. A "bantam" Polish should weigh around 2 pounds when fully grown. I do not know which you have. Maybe you could ask L&M Supply?

Some people have problems adding bantam to full sized fowl, regardless of breeds. Some don't. Some have problems adding Polish or Silkies to standard breeds. Some don't. Some people have problems adding Barred Rocks or Wyandotte to Barred Rocks or Wyandotte. Some don't. Often if they are raised together it is not a problem. Sometimes it is. It just seems to work this way with living animals, you don't get guarantees one way or the other.

Worry is interest paid before it is due. You can worry yourself sick and lose sleep over this if you wish. You can observe and take action only if you need to. You can rehome that Polish now if it makes you feel better. You have several options.

Good luck!

Thank you for the reassurance. I'm not a worrier by nature, so I'm going to take it a day at a time and enjoy them. I believe she is a large-fowl breed and should weigh about 6 lbs. So far, the others are a little more social, but she makes herself known. She is eating and drinking fine.