Description
Silver Laced Polish Chicken
Breed History and Origin
The bearded Silver Laced Polish chicken is a heritage breed with a long and well-documented history, believed to have originated in the Netherlands and later making its way to England through Poland. Historical references to Polish chickens date back to the sixteenth century, and their popularity has continued ever since due to their ornamental appeal. Several Polish varieties, including the Silver Laced, have been recognized in the American Standard of Perfection, with this variety officially admitted in 1883. Today, the breed is considered a sustainable heritage chicken with recovering status, appealing to both preservation breeders and backyard poultry keepers. Cackle Hatchery® has been developing its own Polish bloodlines since 1971, maintaining consistency in quality and appearance.
Appearance and Breed Characteristics
The Silver Laced Polish is widely regarded as one of the most visually striking “Poland Fowls.” Each silvery-white feather is cleanly edged with a defined black lace, creating a crisp, uniform pattern that stands out in both backyard flocks and exhibition settings. Their defining feature is the full crest of feathers growing from a rounded knob on the skull, often paired with a beard, giving them their signature look. They also have noticeably large nostrils, contributing to their distinct profile. As members of the Continental Class, mature birds typically reach around 6 pounds for roosters and 4½ pounds for hens, with pullets and cockerels slightly smaller.
Egg Production and Broodiness
While categorized as a good layer within ornamental breeds, the Silver Laced Polish is not a high-production chicken. Hens lay medium-sized white eggs on a consistent basis, making them suitable for backyard flocks that value appearance alongside moderate egg output. They are non-setters, meaning broodiness is low and they are unlikely to hatch their own eggs. Fertility rates generally range from 40–55%, with an ideal mating ratio of approximately seven females to one male for breeding purposes.
Temperament and Backyard Suitability
Silver Laced Polish chickens are known for their docile but somewhat flighty temperament. Their crest can limit vision, which often causes them to startle easily, but with regular handling they become calm and manageable. This makes them a good choice for backyard environments, especially when kept with other gentle breeds. They do best in secure setups where predator exposure is limited, and a roost height of 2 to 4 feet is recommended for comfort and safety.
Production Positioning and Exhibition Use
This breed is best positioned as an ornamental and exhibition bird rather than a production-focused layer. Although they provide a steady supply of eggs, their primary value lies in their unique appearance and show quality. Their clean lacing, crest development, and recognized status within the APA make them a strong contender in poultry exhibitions and a favorite among breeders focused on maintaining traditional standards.
Breeding Note / Color Note
Maintaining sharp, well-defined black lacing against a bright silver base is essential for show-quality birds. Selective breeding is required to preserve feather clarity, crest structure, and overall balance. Cackle Hatchery® continues to refine its Polish lines, offering birds with dependable traits and consistent visual appeal.
Related Resources
Check out our blog “Are Polish Chickens Really from Poland?”
FAQ
Are Silver Laced Polish chickens good egg layers?
They are considered good layers for an ornamental breed, producing medium-sized white eggs regularly, though not in high volumes.
Are Silver Laced Polish chickens friendly?
Yes, they are generally docile but can be a bit flighty due to their limited vision. Regular handling helps improve their temperament.
Do you need to trim the crest on Silver Laced Polish chickens?
In non-show settings, trimming the crest can help improve their vision and reduce health issues around the eyes, though this is not done for exhibition birds.
Are Silver Laced Polish chickens good for cold weather?
They are less cold-hardy than some breeds because their crest can become wet or frozen, so they require a dry, well-ventilated coop in colder climates.
What are Silver Laced Polish chickens best used for?
They are best suited for ornamental flocks, exhibition, and backyard keepers who want a unique, visually striking bird rather than maximum egg production.
Availability
Available Low Availability Unavailable
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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.