Eggs come in all shapes and sizes, depending on the breed of chicken that laid them. For backyard chicken owners wondering what size eggs to expect from their Polish hens, this guide breaks down the typical egg sizes from this quirky breed.
Polish chickens are known for their fabulous bouffant hairdos, but they also lay lovely eggs in shades of brown. As a medium sized breed, Polish hens produce medium sized eggs on average. However, several factors influence egg size including the individual hen’s age, diet, and genetics.
Below we’ll explore how Polish chicken egg sizes compare to other popular backyard chicken breeds. We’ll also look at how age impacts egg size and what you can do to maximize your flock’s egg production.
Typical Egg Sizes for Polish Chickens
On average, Polish hens lay medium sized eggs weighing around 53 grams and measuring 2.25 inches long by 1.75 inches wide. However, egg sizes can vary significantly based on the individual hen.
Here’s an overview of the range of egg sizes you can expect from Polish chickens:
- Pullet eggs (first eggs laid): Small to medium, around 40-50 grams
- Peak Production: Medium to large, 50-60 grams
- After first molt: Medium, around 50 grams
- Older hens: Small to medium, 40-55 grams
For comparison, here are typical egg sizes for other common backyard chicken breeds:
| Breed | Average Egg Size | Egg Color |
|---|---|---|
| Polish | Medium: 50-55 grams | Light to dark brown |
| Rhode Island Red | Large: 60-65 grams | Brown |
| Australorp | Extra large: 65-75 grams | Light brown |
| Leghorn | Large: 55-65 grams | White |
| Silkie | Small: 35-45 grams | Cream |
As you can see, Polish chickens lay a nice medium sized egg, bigger than a Silkie’s petite eggs but smaller than the extra large eggs from breeds like Australorps. The egg color varies from light brown to dark chocolate brown.
How Age Impacts Egg Size
A Polish hen’s first eggs will be on the smaller side, averaging 40-50 grams. These pullet eggs have the same nutritional value as standard sized eggs, they are just petite. As the hen matures over the next few months, her eggs will increase in size.
Peak egg production occurs around 1 to 2 years of age for most backyard chickens. This is when you can expect the largest eggs from your Polish flock, in the 50-60 gram range on average.
After a hen’s first molt when she loses and re-grows her feathers, usually around 18 months old, her eggs may decrease in size slightly. Her second and subsequent molts will also correlate with a bit of a drop off in egg size as she ages.
Older hens 3+ years old will lay smaller eggs than in their prime, but they still remain productive layers. The egg quality remains high even as the quantity starts to drop off.
Here is an overview of how age impacts egg size:
| Hen’s Age | Expected Egg Size |
|---|---|
| 4-6 months (pullet eggs) | Small to medium: 40-50 grams |
| 1-2 years old (peak production) | Medium to large: 50-60 grams |
| After first molt | Medium: 50 grams |
| 3+ years old | Small to medium: 40-55 grams |
Factors that Impact Egg Size
Genetics play a big role in determining egg size. Some Polish bloodlines are selected specifically for egg production traits. Within a flock, you’ll find that certain hens just naturally lay larger eggs than others.
Health and nutrition are also important. Polish hens fed a balanced layer feed with at least 16% protein will lay the best. Access to greens and bugs in the garden provides beneficial vitamins too. Make sure feed and fresh water are available at all times.
Stress can cause a decrease in egg size. Extreme hot or cold weather, molting, illness, predators, and overcrowding are examples of stressors. Try to minimize flock stress to keep your chickens laying their best.
As heritage birds, Polish hens also tend to have a longer productive laying lifespan than commercial breeds. With proper care, they’ll keep producing eggs for 5-8 years or longer.
Tips for Maximizing Egg Size
Here are some tips to help your Polish flock reach their full egg laying potential:
- Provide a quality complete feed with 16-20% protein
- Supplement feed with calcium sources like oyster shell
- Give free choice access to fresh water
- Allow free range access to move and forage
- Minimize stress and predation
- Encourage natural light exposure
- House birds properly to avoid overcrowding
- Control parasites and diseases
- Collect eggs frequently to avoid egg eating
With proper care, you can expect around 4-5 medium sized eggs per week from each Polish hen at peak production.
Do Polish Roosters Crow Loudly?
Polish roosters are known for having a loud, piercing crow that carries over long distances. The crowing begins early in the morning and continues periodically throughout the day to announce their presence.
While endearing to some chicken enthusiasts, the loud crowing can be annoying to neighbors in suburban or urban areas. The sounds reverberates due to the high pitch and volume.
Those planning to keep Polish chickens should be aware of the rooster’s tendency to crow loudly and frequently when getting started. Rehoming roosters is often necessary for backyard chicken keepers in populated areas.
There are a few tips that can help minimize nuisance crowing:
- Keep only hens without a rooster
- House roosters away from other flocks
- Use sound dampening materials
- Provide roosters with toys and activities
- Keep coops dark in early morning hours
Ultimately though, loud crowing comes naturally to Polish roosters. If sound is a concern, keeping just hens is the best solution.
Conclusion
Polish chickens are delightful birds that lay a bounty of beautiful brown eggs. While on the smaller side, their medium sized eggs offer the same nutrition as larger eggs. With an average of 4-5 eggs per week from each hen, a small Polish flock can keep their owners well supplied.
Understanding how age impacts egg size sets realistic expectations. With good nutrition and care, Polish hens will continue laying productive eggs for many years. Their lively personality and elaborate feather crests add fun and flair to any backyard flock.