Q- I have two small (fullgrown) Polish, White crested black (Pricilla) and and a Pure White (Dotty). Although we love their eggs, they are really small. Is there a breed that will be happy to live with them that lays larger eggs? Before our White Sussex (Blanch) was eaten by Mr Fox. She almost pecked Pricilla to death! Hayden Gardener-Haig, aged 5, from Brighton
A- Terry Beebe says: I have to tell you that, unfortunately,the Poland chickens arealways better kept separate from any other non-crested breeds. There are very few circumstances when the Poland may survive with other breeds, but with my experience over the last 20 years with Polands, this is very rare. I have only actually seen one case were the birds were free range and had a large amount of space in which to hide. Any non-crested breeds seem to be attracted to the bird’s crest, and with the Poland’s having limited vision as well as being quite calm and timid, they do tend to get bullied and, in many cases, will not survive these attacks and the constant pecking. Generally, the other birds peck the crest, removing all the feathers until they reach the skull, and after that the bird will, in many cases, not survive. If you want another breed, I suggest you pen them separately to keep your Pricilla and Dotty safe. Regards and good luck
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