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

Send your poultry questions to editorial.csh@archant.co.uk and put Q&A on the subject line

Image(s) provided by: