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Interesting Chicken Combs
What is that on my chicken’s head?
A chicken comb is a fleshy, often brightly colored growth on the top of a chicken’s head. It is typically red in mature chickens, though some breeds may exhibit different colors such as pink, purple, or even black. The comb’s appearance can vary significantly depending on the breed of the chicken, with common shapes including single, rose, pea, and walnut. These combs are made up of a network of blood vessels, which gives them their vibrant color. The texture of a chicken comb is generally smooth but can sometimes have a slightly bumpy surface. In addition to the comb on the head, chickens also have wattles, which are similar fleshy growths hanging below the beak. Both males (roosters) and females (hens) have combs, but they are typically larger and more pronounced on males.
Purpose of a Chicken Comb
Regulates Body Temperature
Since chickens do not sweat, they use the parts of their bodies not covered in feathers to dissipate heat. The network of blood vessels in the comb helps dissipate excess heat from the chicken’s body, especially during hot weather. Blood flows through the comb, releasing heat into the surrounding air, which helps keep the chicken cool. Conversely, in colder temperatures, the comb can help conserve heat by reducing blood flow to the comb’s extremities, thus minimizing heat loss.
Indicator of Health and Vigor
The comb also serves as a vital indicator of a chicken’s health and overall vigor. A healthy chicken typically has a bright, vibrant comb that is firm to the touch. Changes in the comb’s color, size, or texture can be early signs of health issues. For example, a pale or shrunken comb may indicate anemia, poor circulation, or the presence of parasites, while a dark or purplish comb can be a sign of respiratory or circulatory problems. Observing the comb’s condition allows chicken keepers to monitor the health status of their birds and take necessary actions promptly.
The size and shape of a chicken’s comb is closely linked to where their breed originated. Chicken breeds originating from hot climates will have larger combs, providing more surface area to dissipate heat. Chicken breeds from cold climates will have smaller combs, reducing the risk of frostbite.
Social and Reproductive Significance
In addition to its physiological functions, the chicken comb plays a significant role in social and reproductive behaviors. For roosters, the size and brightness of the comb can be a display of dominance and vitality, which is crucial during mating season. Hens are often attracted to roosters with larger and more vibrant combs, as these are indicators of good health and vitality. There is also a correlation between the color and size of a comb and testosterone levels. The comb also plays a role in the pecking order within a flock, where birds with more prominent combs often rank higher in the social hierarchy. This social signaling function helps maintain order and reduce conflicts within the flock, ensuring a more stable and cohesive group dynamic.
A chicken’s comb type is determined by two different genes. One is the rose comb gene, the other is the pea comb gene. Every type of comb is a result of different combinations of these two genes.
Types of Chicken Combs
There are nine recognized types (or shapes) of combs found in chickens domescially. These nine comb types are as follows with examples from various breeds:
Buttercup Comb
The buttercup comb is a rare and unique comb type that looks like two single combs joined together. The shape resembles a pointed crown. It begins with a single point at the base of the beak, splitting into two ridges of points to form a circular cup shape on the chicken’s head.
Chicken breeds with a buttercup comb: Sicilian Buttercup
Carnation/King Comb
The carnation comb is very similar to a single comb, but at the back of the comb, there are multiple points extending out to the sides.
Chicken breeds with a carnation comb: Penedesenca, Empordanesa
Cushion Comb
The cushion comb is small, round, smooth, and solid. It is low and compact without points or ridges.
Chicken breeds with a cushion comb: Chantecler, select bantam types
Pea Comb
The medium-sized pea comb features three lengthwise ridges from the base of the beak to the top of the head. The center ridge is slightly larger than the two outer ridges. This comb type is named as such because it sometimes looks like a row of peas.
Chicken breeds with a pea comb: Araucana, Ameraucana, Brahma, Buckeye, Cornish, Cubalaya, Easter Egger, Shamo, Sumatra
Rose Comb
The rose comb is a solid, tube-shaped comb that extends from the base of the beak all the way to the back of the head. The front of the comb is broad and flat, and covered in small round bumps. The comb ends in a pointed spike that can curve upwards, downwards, or be horizontal, depending on the breed.
Chicken breeds with a rose comb: Dominique, Hamburg, Redcap, Sebright, Wyandotte
Single Comb
The single comb is the most recognizable, and what people typically think of when envisioning a chicken. It is a thin comb with a series of five or six points that begins at the base of the beak and ends at the back of the head. These ridges can either stand upright or flop over to the side.
Chicken breeds with a single comb: Ancona, Andalusian, Australorp, Black Star, Campine, Cochin, Cornish, Delaware, Dorking, Egyptian Fayoumi, Jersey Giant, Lakenvelder, Langshan, Leghorn, Maran, Minorca, Naked Neck, New Hampshire, Orpington, Phoenix, Plymouth Rock, Red Star, Rhode Island Red, Favorelles, Speckled Sussex, White Faced Black Spanish
V-Shaped Comb
To state the obvious, the V-shaped comb is shaped like the letter. It consists of two thick points extending outward, giving the look of horns or antlers.
Chicken breeds with a V-shaped comb: Crevecoeur, Houdan, La Fleche, Polish, Sultan