The Polish

[LaceyJune]

Hello everyone!
I've always been absolutely obsessed over the polish breed, and always wanted one!
Although I did happen to raise my classic white crested polish late last summer, except she was one of the few who sadly didn't make it. So with that, I wish to have one in the future as an addition to my flock in memory of my White Crested Polish, Fluffy. But I am eager to know more about this breed, so I am prepared for when I raise my next batch of chicks in the next year or two. Since this breed does have a crest, effecting their vision along with their breed being susceptible to neurological and wry neck. I am eager to learn from any exsperienced chicken enthusiasts to offer advice on any knowledge further about the proper care upon this breed. So, I just want to make sure I am educating myself, so I can also learn to be a better chicken enthusiast as I learn lots more to come with my journey turning to BYC for my flock.

 

[cavemanrich]

I had some in the past. Yes,, I liked the way they looked.
So I will offer some opinions that will not be favorable traits.
They have limited vision, similar to Silkies.
That makes them in the category of "HAWK MAGNETS"
I always tried to be with them, when I let them free-range in the back yard. Their run was secure rest of the day.
The white one in particular,, had an enormous hairdo. In the winter time, the hairdo acted like a mop when drinking water. Then had potential to freeze. I gave all of them haircuts for winter season. I tried to bunch up the feathers in a top pony tail,,, with mixed results.
Here are some pix I dug up from long ago files.

WISHING YOU BEST,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

 

[LaceyJune]

Oh my goodness, your polish are absolute dreams!
I've always admired their looks, yet innocent demeanor as well. Your point on not leaving them unattended will not be a worry, I have a complete covered hard wire mesh running from top to bottom for my run. Also thank you for your input on trimming their crest feathers, but do you think I would have to consider trimming the crest feathers since I currently am using cups for my waterers? Although, if the crest would be as big as your white polish, I would think it would be very helpful when trimming the feathers anyway at that point, so they can have a better way around their environment anyways.

 

[cavemanrich]

I would have to consider trimming the crest feathers since I currently am using cups for my waterers?

Your water cups will work fine. Mine would mop up the water when water level in bowls was slightly lower. They had to reach deeper, so the hairdo would get wet then.

 

[LaceyJune]

Ohh, okay. Yeah, that won't be a worry at all since my chicken waterer cups automatically refill itself to an appropriate level for the chicken to just easily dip their beaks to access the water. Do you think my feeders will be alright? My feeders have slots where they have to somewhat poke their heads under for an easy access with the opening of food. Would a picture be easier?

 

[cavemanrich]

Ohh, okay. Yeah, that won't be a worry at all since my chicken waterer cups automatically refill itself to an appropriate level for the chicken to just easily dip their beaks to access the water. Do you think my feeders will be alright? My feeders have slots where they have to somewhat poke their heads under for an easy access with the opening of food. Would a picture be easier?

If you train them to use the feeders,, they will master it.
I always use open top containers for my flock. I also use pellet feed VS crumbles. Much less waste. I also remove feed for the night, and hold over till morning in metal containers. Don't want night time visitors stopping for dinner.
BUT,,,,,,,,,, for baby chicks,,, I used crumbles. I opted for a small bag of medicated type. When that bag was finished/consumed,,, the chicks were somewhat bigger, and were able to eat pellets.
They were also past the coccidiosis stage.

 

[LaceyJune]

True, I have heard you should keep feeders and waterers in tye same place for polish, so they know where everything is..LOL.. poor things.

 

[LaceyJune]

Also, could I ask you about 3D feeders too?
I'm currently looking at these cute little feeders for an open option for oyster shell and grit. The material is made of PETG plastic, do you think it's ok for my chickens?

 

[cavemanrich]

Also, could I ask you about 3D feeders too?
I'm currently looking at these cute little feeders for an open option for oyster shell and grit. The material is made of PETG plastic, do you think it's ok for my chickens?

Not sure what 3D feeders are?? but the plastic is just fine for grit, and Oyster shell free-choice. I don't remove those for the night. Nothing ever snacked on those. Animals like opossum, and raccoons only want food,, not stones.
For my feeders, and water containers,,,,, (I do have multiple set up in run area.) I use retired kitchen bowls, like Pyrex, and such. Easy to wash clean as needed.

 

[LaceyJune]

Ok, thank you for inputs!