Description
Silver Laced Polish Chicken
Breed Overview and Origin
The Silver Laced Polish Chicken is a striking heritage breed known for its dramatic crest, bearded face, silvery-white plumage outlined in black lacing, white eggs, and strong exhibition appeal. If you want an ornamental chicken that brings instant attention to a backyard flock or show pen, the Silver Laced Polish is one of the most eye-catching choices.
Despite the name, Polish chickens were not necessarily developed in Poland. Cackle Hatchery® explains that the Polish chicken breed was developed in the Netherlands and later became known in England as the Poland or Polish chicken. The breed may have received its name from the Middle Dutch word pol, meaning “head,” which may refer to the breed’s dome-shaped skull and dramatic crest.
Polish chickens have a long history as crested poultry. The Livestock Conservancy notes that Polish chickens were believed to have arrived in America between 1830 and 1840 and were widespread by 1850. The non-bearded Silver Polish variety was recognized by the American Poultry Association in 1874, while the bearded Silver variety was recognized in 1883.
Cackle Hatchery® Poultry Breeding Farm has been developing Polish chicken color varieties since 1971, including Silver Laced Polish.
Appearance and Characteristics
Silver Laced Polish chickens are showstoppers. Their silvery-white feathers are neatly outlined with black lacing, creating a crisp, high-contrast pattern across the body. Their full crest grows from a knob on the skull and gives the breed its famous topknot appearance.
Expected traits include:
- Silvery-white plumage with black lacing
- Full crest or topknot
- Bearded face
- Large nostrils
- Clean legs
- White eggs
- Ornamental and exhibition value
- Small to medium body size
- Non-broody tendency
- Distinctive “Poland Fowl” heritage
Polish chickens are primarily valued today for ornamental and exhibition purposes. Cackle’s Polish article notes that the breed was originally intended as a white egg layer, but is now considered mainly ornamental because of its characteristic puffy crest.
Crest, Beard, and Visibility
The Silver Laced Polish crest is beautiful, but it also affects daily care. A large crest can limit vision, which may make birds easier to startle or more vulnerable to predators.
For backyard flocks, customers may need to:
- Keep birds in secure runs
- Avoid mixing them with aggressive flockmates
- Provide easy-to-find feeders and waterers
- Keep crest feathers clean and dry
- Trim crest feathers slightly if vision becomes limited
- Watch for feather picking from other chickens
If birds are intended for exhibition, review show standards before trimming crest feathers. For pet or backyard birds, careful trimming around the eyes may improve comfort and safety.
Egg Production
Silver Laced Polish hens lay small white eggs. They are not prolific layers, so customers should choose them mainly for beauty, personality, history, and exhibition value rather than high egg production.
Polish chickens were once used more for white eggs, but with the rise of higher-producing breeds such as Leghorns, they became more popular as exhibition and ornamental birds. The Livestock Conservancy notes that Polish chickens lost favor as egg producers as Leghorns rose in popularity from the 1850s through the 1890s.
For customers who want more eggs, a production white egg layer is a better fit. For customers who want a rare, crested, silver-laced show bird that still contributes some white eggs, Silver Laced Polish chickens are a beautiful choice.
Temperament and Backyard Suitability
Silver Laced Polish chickens can be delightful additions to backyard flocks, especially for customers who enjoy ornamental breeds. Their unique appearance, light body type, and alert personality make them entertaining and attractive birds.
This breed can work well for:
- Ornamental backyard flocks
- Exhibition projects
- Rare breed collections
- White egg baskets with visual variety
- Families who enjoy unusual chickens
- Small flocks with gentle flockmates
- Customers wanting crested poultry
Because their crest can limit vision, Polish chickens may be more easily startled than some breeds. They do best with calm handling, secure housing, and flockmates that will not bully or pull crest feathers.
Broodiness
Silver Laced Polish hens are generally not broody. This can be helpful for customers who prefer hens that keep laying rather than frequently sitting on eggs.
However, because Polish chickens are not heavy production layers, non-broody behavior does not make them a high-output egg breed. Their strongest value is ornamental beauty and exhibition appeal.
Exhibition and Show Appeal
The Silver Laced Polish is one of the most dramatic crested breeds for exhibition. The combination of black lacing, silver plumage, full crest, beard, and clean legs creates a polished show appearance.
Several Polish varieties have been admitted to the American Poultry Association Standard of Perfection over time. The Livestock Conservancy lists non-bearded White Crested Black, Golden, Silver, and White as recognized in 1874, with bearded Golden, Silver, White, and Buff Laced added in 1883.
Customers interested in showing should review current APA standards and local poultry show rules before entering birds.
Silver Laced Polish vs Golden Laced Polish
Silver Laced Polish and Golden Laced Polish chickens share the same crested ornamental breed type, but their color patterns differ.
A Silver Laced Polish has silvery-white feathers outlined with black lacing.
A Golden Laced Polish chicken has golden feathers outlined with black lacing. Cackle lists Golden Laced Polish as a rare breed and white egg layer, with Polish color varieties developed by Cackle Hatchery® Poultry Breeding Farm since 1971.
Choose Silver Laced Polish if you want crisp black-and-silver contrast.
Choose Golden Laced Polish if you prefer a warmer golden color pattern.
Silver Laced Polish vs Buff Laced Polish
Silver Laced and Buff Laced Polish chickens are both elegant laced Polish varieties.
A Silver Laced Polish has silvery-white plumage with black lacing.
A Buff Laced Polish chicken has softer buff laced plumage and the same crested ornamental appeal. Cackle lists Buff Laced Polish as a crested ornamental Polish chicken.
Choose Silver Laced Polish if you want bold silver-and-black lacing.
Choose Buff Laced Polish if you want a softer cream-and-buff look.
Silver Laced Polish vs White Crested Black Polish
Silver Laced Polish and White Crested Black Polish chickens are both classic Polish varieties with strong exhibition appeal.
A Silver Laced Polish has laced silver plumage across the body and a full crest.
A White Crested Black Polish has a black body with a contrasting white crest.
Choose Silver Laced Polish if you want lacing throughout the plumage.
Choose White Crested Black Polish if you want the bold black-body, white-topknot contrast.
Is the Silver Laced Polish Chicken Right for Your Flock?
Choose Silver Laced Polish chickens if you want:
- A striking ornamental chicken
- Silver-white feathers with black lacing
- A full crest or topknot
- A bearded Polish variety
- White eggs
- A non-broody hen
- Exhibition appeal
- A rare heritage breed
- A bird with centuries of crested-poultry history
- A visually dramatic backyard flock addition
However, consider another breed if you need high egg production, strong predator awareness, or a rugged free-range chicken for rough conditions. In short, Silver Laced Polish chickens are best for customers who want rare beauty, show appeal, white eggs, and a crested ornamental bird with historic charm.
Care and Housing Tips
Silver Laced Polish chickens need dependable care, secure housing, and extra attention to crest management. They are beautiful birds, but their crest can make them less aware of predators or flockmate behavior.
For best results, provide:
- A dry, well-ventilated coop
- Predator-resistant fencing
- Clean bedding
- Fresh water at all times
- Balanced chick starter and age-appropriate feed
- Nest boxes for small white eggs
- Calm flockmates
- Secure outdoor space
- Shade and airflow during hot weather
- Protection from drafts and damp bedding in cold weather
- Regular checks for crest cleanliness and visibility
Because Polish chickens are ornamental and crested, they often do best in protected backyard runs rather than open free-range settings with heavy predator pressure.
Availability and Ordering Notes
Cackle Hatchery® lists Silver Laced Polish as a rare breed and white egg layer. Cackle Hatchery® Poultry Breeding Farm has been developing its Polish color varieties since 1971.
Customers who want a variety of Polish colors may also consider Cackle’s Polish Surplus Special, which may include White Crested Black, Buff Laced, Silver Laced, Golden Laced, White, Splash, or White Crested Blue Polish depending on availability.
Since hatch dates and shipping windows can change, customers should check Cackle Hatchery’s Chicken Availability Chart before ordering.
Related Breeds and Helpful Cackle Hatchery® Resources
Customers who like Silver Laced Polish may also enjoy other Polish varieties, crested breeds, rare chickens, and white egg layers.
Helpful Cackle Hatchery® links for this product page include:
FAQ: Silver Laced Polish Chicken
What is a Silver Laced Polish Chicken?
A Silver Laced Polish Chicken is a crested heritage breed with silvery-white feathers outlined in black lacing, a full crest, beard, white eggs, and strong ornamental or exhibition appeal.
Are Polish chickens really from Poland?
Not exactly. Cackle Hatchery® explains that Polish chickens were developed in the Netherlands, not Poland, although the breed later became known as Polish or Poland fowl.
Why are they called Polish chickens?
The name may refer to Poland, but it may also come from the Middle Dutch word pol, meaning “head,” in reference to the breed’s dome-shaped skull and crest.
When did Polish chickens come to America?
The Livestock Conservancy notes that Polish chickens likely arrived in America between 1830 and 1840 and were widespread by 1850.
Are Silver Laced Polish chickens APA recognized?
Yes. Polish varieties have been recognized in the APA Standard since the 1800s. The non-bearded Silver Polish was recognized in 1874, and the bearded Silver Polish was recognized in 1883.
What do Silver Laced Polish chickens look like?
They have silvery-white feathers outlined with black lacing, a full crest, beard, clean legs, and a distinctive ornamental appearance.
What is the crest on a Polish chicken?
The crest is the full topknot of feathers growing from a knob on the skull. It is one of the breed’s defining traits.
Can a Polish chicken’s crest affect vision?
Yes. A large crest can limit vision, which may make Polish chickens easier to startle or more vulnerable to predators.
Do Silver Laced Polish chickens have beards?
Yes. Cackle’s Silver Laced Polish listing describes the variety as bearded.
What color eggs do Silver Laced Polish chickens lay?
Silver Laced Polish hens lay white eggs.
What size eggs do Silver Laced Polish chickens lay?
They typically lay small white eggs.
Are Silver Laced Polish chickens good egg layers?
They are not prolific layers. They are best chosen for ornamental beauty, exhibition value, and rare breed appeal rather than maximum egg production.
Are Silver Laced Polish hens broody?
No. Silver Laced Polish hens are generally not broody.
Are Silver Laced Polish chickens good for exhibitions?
Yes. Their crest, beard, silver lacing, and historic breed type make them excellent exhibition and ornamental birds.
Are Silver Laced Polish chickens good backyard birds?
Yes, they can be delightful backyard birds when kept in a secure, calm setup with protection from predators and aggressive flockmates.
Are Silver Laced Polish chickens good for beginners?
They can be good for beginners who understand that crested breeds need extra attention to visibility, predator protection, and flockmate behavior.
Are Silver Laced Polish chickens good for free range?
They are usually better in protected runs than open free-range settings because their crest can limit vision and reduce predator awareness.
What is the difference between Silver Laced Polish and Golden Laced Polish?
Silver Laced Polish chickens have silvery-white feathers outlined in black. Golden Laced Polish chickens have golden feathers outlined in black.
What is the difference between Silver Laced Polish and Buff Laced Polish?
Silver Laced Polish chickens have black-and-silver lacing. Buff Laced Polish chickens have a softer buff laced pattern.
What is the Polish Surplus Special?
Cackle’s Polish Surplus Special is a straight-run assortment that may include White Crested Black, Buff Laced, Silver Laced, Golden Laced, White, Splash, or White Crested Blue Polish depending on availability.
What is Cackle Hatchery’s Polish bloodline history?
Cackle Hatchery® Poultry Breeding Farm has been developing color varieties of Polish chickens since 1971.
Where can I check Silver Laced Polish availability?
Customers can check Cackle Hatchery’s Chicken Availability Chart for current hatch and shipping timing. Availability can change during the season.
amberlevinthal –
We purchases 4 silver laced polish in July and received 5! 4/5 were hens and they are absolutely beautiful. The bonus chicken ran away- but we suspected that it might have been a rooster anyway. They are delightful birds and made a great addition to our wyandotte flock
smschnakenberg –
I order 3, I received 4. 3 hens and a rooster. Most perfect ratio a person could ask for! When I received them and opened the box they were super energetic. But, I had a hard time trying to get them to eat/drink even with the instructions they recommended. The second day I lost one, few days later another died. Anyway, my hen is now 3 months old and is the absolute sweetest chicken ever! She’s so friendly and beautiful. She’s definitely a crowd favorite here at the farm. Everyone loves her! I will definitely be ordering more again next spring even after our rocky start.
Chickenlover16 –
May 2020 I bought 4 surplus polish chicks in store. Got 3 roosters and 1 hen. I kept the silver laced rooster for breeding, he is gorgeous and looks like he could do well in shows if I had the time to show him. He’s very healthy and energetic. I ordered a few more silver laced polish for this spring, hopefully I get a better hen ratio and that they are just as beautiful as he is!
MD –
Fun hen, Bad Roosters
Very happy with my order. However out of the 4 silver laced polish I got 3 roosters and 1 hen. The hen is fun and active. The boys are aggressive, but very beautiful.
Charly –
Sweet birds
3 healthy chicks arrived during a cool and wet summer. They joined a lonely Polish hen and they have thrived. What sweet and curious birds they are!
John –
Beautiful birds bad ratio
I have ordered many birds from here and they have all arrived in great shape. They sent 4 but I lost one the first day. Unfortunately the surviving 3 are all roosters. This is the same type ratio that I have had on other breeds that I wasn’t allowed to specify the sex. I will definitely buy birds in the future from here (only the breeds i can specify the sex) and would give them a 5 if it were for the ratios.
Jenna –
My personal favorite
I got 3 silver laced polish chicks from cackle hatchery. They are such unique chickens, and I always get comments about how cute/silly they are!
Amber Q. –
Not pleased
Upon arrival, all were in poor health. Only one survived after a few days, and even then, only for a few months. The poor thing became lame and unable to walk for no apparent reason. All of the other chickens in the shipment (different breeds) are still doing well and continue to thrive even in Pennsylvania winter climate. My poor Polish Chickens, not so much. Ordered six. Within 3 days had one, in 4 months I have none. It’s a shame, because they would have been a gorgeous addition to my flock. I’ve kept chickens for a decade and have never had this problem. Would not purchase again.
Buckhead Goats –
Great beautiful birds
Love them. I only wish they would offer sexing for this breed.
Emily –
Silver Laced Polish
I ordered 3 Silver Laced Polish. They all arrived alive. I lost one due to heat but they other 2 grew up beautiful. They both happened to be roosters so I kept one and sold the other to a neighbor that has a Silver Laced hen. I’m very happy with them and will order more in the spring. Hopefully I will get some hens in my group.
Kathleen –
None of the ones ordered survived.
I am sorry to report that all of the babies I ordered did not make, some died early and the rest later.
Msmith –
Beautiful and funny
All the chicks we ordered arrived healthy and survived. We got 6 silver laced polish crested and 4 turned out to be roosters. We rehomed the roosters and the 2 hens are doing great with the rest of our bantam flock. They are so funny to watch scampering around because they can’t see so well with their crest. They are docile with our 2 year old daughter and will follow her around curiously trying to peck her feet. We are very happy with our chickens!
LRobertson –
Funny and Sweet
I have always been drawn to Polish Cresteds because of their unusual appearance and goofy antics, but these are my favorite so far. My chicks arrived healthy and happy and have grown to be beautiful juveniles. They have big, poofy crests and gorgeous speckled feathers. I love how silly they are. They are very entertaining to watch! They are also gentle natured, even the roosters.
Josh –
Beautiful Birds!
We ordered 15 silver laced polish pullets in April and received 17. They all arrived healthy and grew without any complications. They are now about 6-months old and have laid a few eggs, but very intermittent. They are strikingly beautiful, and the are the friendliest variety in our entire menagerie of chickens.
Craig –
Silver Golden Polish
Purchased 5 of Sliver 5 Golden. I live in the UPPER Midwest Wisconsin area where temperatures are brutal. 10/10 to Cackle just as advertised! Great quality bird. They are very amazing birds from a look and interaction standpoint. They won’t do much for you in terms of eggs. I am also down to 3 polish birds because they don’t like to flock (I have true free ranged birds). I have 3 turkeys, 20 other chickens. I purchased ALL chicks together so it’s not a peaking order thing. They just prefer their own company. Even my Goldens and Silvers don’t “hangout”. If you have a coop these are a must add bird!!!!
Aimee –
Sweetest Chickens
These first of all are just beautiful, plus they are just the sweetest chickens. We have a male that we call Predator because he looks just like Predator off of Alien vs Predator :p The hens are sweet and at night they sing so beautiful. These are my favorite chickens out of all the breeds I ordered. My favorite ducks are the Indian Runners. I have had really good service, delivery, and luck with the chickens sent from Cackle Hatchery. Nice job guys!
Isabella Farms –
Love them
I was lucky enough to get a Roo and a Hen. They are beautiful and super sweet. Hen has just started laying.
TaylorG –
Silver Laced Polish
I ordered 4 silver laced polish chickens from Cackle back in April and I couldn’t have be more pleased with my chicks! They sent 5 just in case any of them didn’t make the trip. I was a bit worried because I live in Maine and it can be quite chilly in April. All 5 were delivered to my post office, who called me when they arrived so I could pick them up right away. My chicks have since developed into beautiful birds with beautiful plumage. The only negative I would say is that 4 out of 5 birds ended up being males which I was hoping wouldn’t happen. But our family still loves them anyways! We get so many comments on how beautiful and unique our birds are. They aren’t aggressive birds at all. I have two small children (boys) and the roosters don’t try to peck at them or charge them at all. Overall, great experience ordering from Cackle and I’ll do it again next Spring.
Tschuh WI –
I love my sweet beautiful birds
I have gotten polish’s in the past and I just love these birds! They have such a unique look about them, and they are so mellow. I can pick them up and let my kids handle them with no problems what so ever. They also seem to do pretty well in the Wisconsin winters which is a plus. I got my first batch 4 years ago and still have a few left today. I also love ordering from cackle hatchery because they always pick out the best birds to be sent through the mail, and throw in a few extra just in case, but out of the 75 birds I ordered this spring I only lost 3 so far which I think is really good!
Silver Polish –
Beautiful
They are beautiful but you need to know that this breed are flighty and skittish.
Mama –
Beautiful birds
Beautiful feathers. Docile roosters
tay –
very docile & great health
BREED: Firstly i’ve always liked the polish because they are so docile. and i think all of the polishes are very pretty, but these are just my all-time favorite. their feathers look so beautiful it’s unreal. I gave a whole bunch of these to a mamma hen, but we sadly had a predator attack and only 4 of the chicks from that batch had survived. those 4 though are almost full-grown now, (1 rooster and 3 hens) and i enjoy them so much i think next time another hen goes broody i’ll have to get more.
CACKLE: like all my chicks from Cackle, they arrived happy & healthy. i’ve never had a problem from them; it’s my first hatchery pick. There is no better place i’ve found.
Johnathan –
Silverlaced polish
I received my chickens and I am very happy with them so far out of all the hatcheries cackle has been the best.they are the healthiest chicks I have bought yet thank you cackle and I will never use any other hatcheries again my business will go straight to cackle only
Mandy –
Polish Rooster
I got 2 rooster and I love them they are the most sweetest my 3 year old packs them around they are full grown.
Tott –
I am happy with the way they turned out, I plan on experimenting and crossing the breeds together. I’ll see what happens!
I ordered 24 polish chicks (Buff-Laced and Silver-Laced). I received them on 3/30/2016 with only one having not arrived alive. Thank you so much, now it has been a little over five months now and I plan on entering two (one of each kind) in the county fair this month, I will post how they do!
David Tennessee –
Thumbs up!
Excellent service! I ordered 15 chicks 5 months ago, only lost one of them, they were healthy and are doing great still! Thanks!
Mark Ohio March 2014 –
Thanks Guys! Excellent Order
100% live arrival when I picked up this morning at Post Office. It’s been many years since I ordered from you , from the looks of today’s chicks that won’t happen again. Excellent chicks, strong solid bodies, vitality and good crest on. One jumped into the brooder to drink before I even had a second to dip its beak. Never have I had that before even in ones I hatch.
Unknown April 2014 –
Att Cackle hatchery
I ordered 20 polish chicks from u through farm and home…5 of each kind of polish…buff, golden laced, silver laced and white n black…ne way I just wanted to let u know how happy I was to get them…they arrived on the scheduled date healthy n happy…I picked them up and took them home n I’ve had them for about 3 weeks now n I haven’t lost a single chick..so I just wanted to say ty and I will order from u again ty ur the best.