Comb (anatomy)

A comb is a fleshy growth or crest on the top of the head of some gallinaceous birds, such as domestic chickens. The alternative name cockscomb (with several spelling variations) reflects the fact that combs are generally larger on cock birds than on hens. The comb is one of several fleshy protuberances on the heads of chickens, the others being the wattles and earlobes, which collectively are called caruncles.^{[citation needed]} In turkeys, the caruncles are the fleshy nodules on the head and throat.

Chicken combs are most commonly red, but may also be black or dark purple in breeds such as the

The comb may be a reliable indicator of health or vigor and is used for mate-assessment in some poultry species.[1]

Types of chicken comb

Comb shape varies considerably depending on the breed or species of bird. Of the many types and shapes seen in chicken cocks the principal ones are:^{[2]: 499 [3]}

• the single comb, extending in a single line from the top of the base of the beak to the back of the head. It consists of a solid vertical part with a series of points or serrations; the size, shape and number of these and the overall shape of the comb are all variable, depending on the breed.^[2]: 502

• The cup comb, as seen in the Sicilian Buttercup, a cup-shaped comb with spiked edges.^[2]: 500

• the cushion comb, as seen in the
  Chantecler and Silkie, is a compact cushion-shaped mass covered with small protuberances, with a shallow transverse groove across it.^[2]
  ^: 500

• the horn comb or V-comb, as seen in breeds such as the
  Sultan, with two spikes in a V shape starting above the beak, tapering to a point from a thick base.^[2]
  ^: 501

• the leaf comb or shell comb, as seen in the
  Houdan, which resembles a butterfly with partially-opened wings.^[2]
  ^: 501

• the pea comb or triple comb, somewhat like three small single combs in a row; seen in breeds including the
  Sumatra among others.^[2]
  ^: 502

• the raspberry comb, as seen in the
  Orloff, which roughly resembles half a raspberry, cut lengthwise.^[2]
  ^: 502

• the strawberry or walnut comb, as seen in the Malay, which roughly resembles half a strawberry or walnut.[2]^: 503

In hen birds the comb is usually smaller and neater than in the cock.

In cookery

Combs are used in

Combs are prepared by parboiling and skinning, then cooking in court-bouillon. After preparation, they are greyish. They are often served in Chinese dim sum-style dishes.^{[citation needed]}

Other

Because of its bright color and distinctive shape, "cockscomb" also describes various plants, including the florists' plant

(creste di galli); and so on.

Spelling variations

• cockscomb
• cock's comb
• cock's-comb
• coxcomb

Gallery

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  Brown rooster
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See also

• Crest (feathers)
• Dubbing (poultry) – removal of the comb
• Larousse Gastronomique
• Snood (anatomy)
• Wattle (anatomy)

References

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Cockscombs.

1. S2CID 86481908
   .
2. ^
   ISBN 9781119509141
   .
3. ^ Dave Anderson ([n.d.]). The Chicken's Comb. Backyard Poultry. Archived 7 November 2013.
4. ^
   ISBN 0-8129-1838-X
   .