Acomb 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 Silkie or the Sebright. In other species the color may vary from light grey to deep blue or red.[citation needed]
The comb may be a reliable indicator of health or vigor and is used for mate-assessment in some poultry species.[1]
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 or buttercup 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 Crèvecœur, La Flèche and 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 raspberry comb, as seen in the Orloff, which roughly resembles half a raspberry, cut lengthwise.[2]: 502
the rose comb, as seen in the Hamburg and Wyandotte, broad and fairly fast, covered with small pointed protuberances, with a long backwards-facing spike to the rear.
the strawberry or walnut comb, as seen in the Malay, which roughly resembles half a strawberry or walnut.[2]: 503
In hens, the comb is usually smaller and neater than in the cock.
There are three known genes affecting comb shape: Rose-Comb, Pea-Comb, and Duplex-Comb, which has one allele responsible for buttercup combs and another one responsible for V combs.[4]
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]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Cockscombs.
^Jones, E.K.M.; Prescott, N.B. (2000). "Visual cues used in the choice of mate by fowl and their potential importance for the breeder industry". World's Poultry Science Journal. 56 (2): 127–138. doi:10.1079/WPS20000010. S2CID86481908.
