For those who are new to the chicken scene, combs are the fleshy parts on top of a chicken’s head. They are usually a vibrant bright red, but sometimes purple or even black. Combs are made up of collagen fibers designed to help chickens regulate their body temperature. The comb acts as a vessel to help store and release body heat based on their environment. The warmer the chicken, the bigger the comb. This is because their blood is pumping faster to release more heat, creating a larger comb. Along with combs being a status symbol amongst other chickens, they can also reveal some interesting information about a chicken’s health. Here’s what you can learn from your chicken’s comb!
1. Circulatory Issues
Since the comb acts as a vessel for blood flow, it can also act as a signifier to let you know there’s something wrong. If you notice the comb turning dark red or purple, pay attention. Some chickens naturally have darker combs but if you notice your chicken’s comb suddenly turn dark, there’s something wrong. This can often be a sign that a chicken is choking, having a stroke, or having a heart attack.
2. Dehydration
Combs are mostly made of water, which means it will also be a good way to tell when your chicken doesn’t have enough of it. If you notice your chicken’s comb suddenly get floppy or limp, there’s a high possibility it’s dehydrated. This isn’t always the case, though. Just to cross out dehydration, make sure your flock has access to plenty of clean water.
3. Old Age
Sometimes a chicken’s comb goes floppy when she just laid an egg or is broody. Another reason for a floppy comb can be as simple as old age. When chickens get older, their appendages droop just like ours. If this occurrence seems rather permanent and there’s no other health issues or stressors you can think of, old age might be the culprit.
4. Violence
Although we try our best to have a respectful flock, sometimes bullying occurs behind our backs. If you notice missing pieces of a comb, there’s a high chance something got to your chicken. Whether it be a fellow flock member or a larger predator, it’s a good idea to beef up security. Spend some time watching your chickens to see how they interact with each other. If you spot a chicken bully, separate it immediately to knock it down from the pecking order a bit.
5. Heat Exhaustion
Chickens actually can’t sweat, which makes hot days even hotter for our feathered friends. That’s why it’s so important to have combs to help release some of their body heat. If you notice your chicken’s comb is white, pale, or shrunken, it may be suffering from heat exhaustion. If you think this is the case, it’s time to cool your chicken down. Make sure there’s access to fresh cool drinking water and lots of shelter.
6. Molting
Another reason for a pale comb can be that your chicken is molting. Molting is the process of a chicken shedding it’s feathers and growing new ones for the upcoming winter season. Since this is more physically apparent, you’ll be able to tell pretty quickly if its the cause of a pale comb.
Since every chicken is unique, you can’t rely on these signs alone to tell you there’s something wrong. A normal comb will feel fleshy, elastic, and pliable. You’ll have to use your best judgement to identify any health concerns based on what you know about the chicken in question. These are just helpful traits that can alert you when something is off. Understanding your flock’s normal behavior and daily routine will better assist you with pointing out when there’s an issue. Combs are an important piece of a chicken, and understanding them will help you better protect your flock!