The Dutch poland club

The Dutch Poland Club, in Dutch Nederlandse Kuif en Baardkuifhoenderclub (NKBC), has been established in 1980. The NKBC has about 100 members. The club represents breeders of socalled Polish Fowls or Polands. In the Netherlands we consider the non-bearded ("Hollandse Kuifhoenders") and bearded varieties ("Nederlandse Baardkuifhoenders") as two different breeds. Actually, both breeds are considered as Dutch breeds since they have been existing for centuries in the Netherlands. The first stories and paintings on Polands originate from the 15th and 16th centuries. However, before those dates the Polands probably were imported from other places and are therefore much older. One of the earliest traces was the discovery a few years ago of skulls the same as those of present day Polands at a Roman dig in Great Brittain (Gloucester). Even Aristoteles seems to have written about strange poultry, resembling Polands! Many suggestions are made as to the origin of the Polands, like the Middle East (Persia), Russia or even the Far East. Nevertheless, these breeds were brought to perfection in the Netherlands, reason for the Dutch to consider them from the Netherlands.

Nederlandse Kuif- en Baardkuifhoenderclub

In the early twenties of the 20th century a club of Poland breeders was established. This club later merged into the Dutch Poultry Club, representing all breeds of Dutch origine. In 1980 a new club was established which is very active today.
The NKBC has about 100 members, most of them from the Netherlands but also from neighbouring countries like Belgium, Germany and England. Not all members are active breeders since sometimes people lack time or space to breed this beautiful poultry. Therefore the number of real breeders who put a lot of effort in breeding the Polands is limited. A good reason for international contacts. In that respect contacts exist between Poland breeders and Poland Clubs in, Germany, the United Kingdom, USA, Switzerland, Australia and other countries.
Most colours are existing and recognised in the Netherlands, both for large and bantams. The non-bearded Polands (large and bantam) are well known with a white crest in the colours black, blue, cuckoo, mottled and self white. Also the black crested whites do exist in the Netherlands. In the USA and Germany white crested buff bantams have been created some years ago; this variety will certainly be recognised soon in the Netherlands.
The bearded ones exist in the following colours; self black, self blue, self white, cuckoo and in buff, gold and silver laced. All these colours also exist in the frizzle feathered form.
The NKBC strives to promote the Polands amongst potential breeders. This is necessary given the small basis of breeds, and in particular of certain colours.
The NKBC has a promotion stand which is used at exhibitions. To foster the membership and friendship among the breeders the NKBC publishes twice a year a club magazine "Kuifstukken" (Crest news).
There are meetings twice a year, a general members meeting in spring and a meeting in August. The last meeting is meant for showing new breed, exchange birds and to get the first judging on the new breeds in anticipation of the upcoming exhibition season.
The NKBC also acts as intermediary with the national poultry association on policy issues like the size of the crest and visibility of the Polands, new colours and varieties etc.. Also the NKBC keeps contacts with international clubs to share information, exchange news on new colours and if possible assist in exchanging eggs and/or birds.
In summary The NKBC is a vivid and active club of breeders of Polands, aiming at an interest of the Polands which are considered as a cultural poultry heritage of the Netherlands. The NKBC considers international contacts as essential to foster the interests of the Polands and its breeders. Therefore we welcome further contacts in the Netherlands and abroad.

Information about the Nederlandse Kuif- en Baardkuifhoenderclub is available at the secretary of this club: Mr L. Hans Edeseweg 40 6721 JX Bennekom, Netherlands. tel. 00.31.318419032 or e-mail