Have you ever looked at a chicken and wondered about those distinctive red parts on their head? Whether you’re a backyard chicken keeper or just curious about poultry anatomy, understanding these features can help you better care for your flock or simply appreciate these fascinating birds.
I’ve spent years raising chickens, and I can tell you that those red parts aren’t just for show – they serve important functions! In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything about the red parts of a chicken’s head, including what they’re called, their purposes, and what they can tell you about your chicken’s health
The Main Red Parts of a Chicken’s Head
Chickens have three main red features on their heads:
- Comb – the red fleshy protuberance on top of the head
- Wattles – the hanging red flaps beneath the beak
- Earlobes – small flaps of skin below the ears
Let’s dive deeper into each of these distinctive features!
The Comb: The Crown of the Chicken
The most noticeable red feature on a chicken is the comb – that fleshy red growth sitting prominently on top of their head Sometimes called the “cockscomb,” “crown,” or “crest,” this distinctive feature serves several important purposes.
Functions of the Comb:
- Temperature regulation – The comb contains numerous blood vessels that can expand and contract to release or retain heat. This helps chickens cool down in hot weather!
- Health indicator – A bright red comb usually signals good health, while a pale, blotchy, or discolored comb might indicate illness or stress.
- Mate attraction – Roosters typically have larger, more vibrant combs to attract hens.
- Social hierarchy – Comb size helps establish the “pecking order” among chickens, with larger combs often indicating more dominant birds.
Types of Combs:
Combs come in various shapes and sizes, which can help identify different chicken breeds:
- Single comb (upright with serrated edges)
- Rose comb (flat and bumpy)
- Pea comb (three parallel ridges)
- Cushion comb (small and rounded)
- Strawberry comb (rounded like a strawberry)
- Buttercup comb (cup-shaped)
- V-shaped comb (two distinct points)
- Walnut comb (bumpy like a walnut)
The Wattles: Those Dangling Red Flaps
The wattles are those two fleshy red flaps that hang below a chicken’s beak. Sometimes referred to as “dewlaps,” these dangling features are particularly prominent in roosters but present in hens too.
Functions of Wattles:
- Cooling system – Like the comb, wattles contain blood vessels that expand to release body heat.
- Health monitoring – Healthy wattles are bright red; pale or discolored wattles may indicate health problems.
- Breed identification – Wattle size and shape vary by breed.
- Mating displays – Larger wattles in males signal reproductive fitness.
- Social status indicators – More dominant roosters often have larger wattles.
The size of wattles can vary significantly between breeds and individual birds. Some chickens have minimal wattles, while others have large, pendulous ones that swing when they move!
The Earlobes: Often Overlooked
Chicken earlobes are small flaps of skin located just below the ear canal opening on each side of the head. While they’re not as prominent as combs or wattles, they’re still an important feature.
Functions of Earlobes:
- Minor cooling – They contain some blood vessels that help release heat.
- Breed identification – Earlobe color varies significantly between breeds.
- Egg color indicator – In many cases, earlobe color correlates with eggshell color:
- Red earlobes → brown eggs
- White earlobes → white eggs
- (Note: This isn’t 100% reliable, especially with mixed breeds)
Earlobe Colors:
Chicken earlobes come in several colors, including:
- Red
- White
- Blue
- Black
- Brown
Why Are These Parts Red?
The distinctive red color of combs, wattles, and earlobes comes from their rich blood supply. These areas are packed with capillaries and blood vessels just below the skin surface.
When a chicken gets hot, more blood flows to these areas, making them appear brighter red. This increased blood flow allows heat to radiate away from the body, helping cool the bird.
In cooler weather, blood flow decreases, sometimes making these features appear paler or even slightly bluish in very cold conditions.
How to Monitor Chicken Health Through Red Parts
These red features aren’t just for show – they’re like a chicken’s health dashboard! Here’s what to watch for:
Healthy Signs:
- Bright, vibrant red color
- Smooth texture
- Warm to touch
- Proportional size for the breed
Warning Signs:
- Pale or purple coloration
- Scaly, crusty, or lesioned texture
- Cold to touch
- Swelling or unusual growth
- Black or dark spots (possible frostbite)
If you notice any of these warning signs, it might be time to check with a vet or experienced chicken keeper!
Other Notable Head Features
While we’re focusing on the red parts, let’s briefly cover other important head features of chickens:
The Beak and Nostrils
Chickens have beaks for mouths, typically yellow but sometimes dark blue or gray depending on the breed. The beak is made of hornlike material and is used for picking up food and grooming.
At the top of the beak are the chicken’s two nostrils, surrounded by a raised tan patch called the cere. These should be clean and open for proper breathing.
The Eyes and Ears
Chickens have small eyes – usually yellow with black, gray, or reddish-brown pupils – set on either side of the head. They can see colors and sleep with their eyelids closed.
Chicken ears are small openings on the side of the head, sometimes covered by a tuft of feathers. They don’t have external ear structures like mammals.
Differences Between Roosters and Hens
The red features on chicken heads often show sexual dimorphism:
Roosters typically have:
- Larger, more vibrant combs
- Bigger, more pendulous wattles
- More prominent earlobes
Hens usually have:
- Smaller, less prominent combs
- Smaller wattles
- Less noticeable earlobes
These differences become more apparent as chickens mature, making it easier to tell males from females.
Breed Variations in Red Parts
Different chicken breeds have distinctive comb and wattle characteristics:
- Leghorns – Large single combs and wattles
- Rhode Island Reds – Medium-sized single combs with moderately sized wattles
- Plymouth Rocks – Single combs with medium wattles
- Silkies – Small, dark maroon-red walnut combs with minimal wattles
- Polish – Small V-shaped combs often hidden by their crest feathers
- Wyandottes – Rose combs with medium wattles
FAQ About Chicken’s Red Parts
What is the red thing hanging from a chicken’s neck?
The red, fleshy flaps hanging from a chicken’s neck just below the beak are called wattles. They’re part of the chicken’s anatomy and are typically more prominent in roosters.
Why do some chickens have bigger red parts than others?
Size variations in combs and wattles depend on breed, sex, age, and individual genetics. Roosters generally have larger combs and wattles than hens, and certain breeds are known for particularly large or distinctive combs.
Can the red parts change color?
Yes! The color of combs, wattles, and earlobes can change based on:
- Temperature (paler when cold)
- Health status (paler when sick)
- Hormonal changes (brighter during peak laying periods)
- Age (more vibrant in prime adults)
Do all chickens have red combs and wattles?
Most chickens have red combs and wattles, but some breeds like Silkies have purple-black combs due to a genetic condition called fibromelanosis. The shade of red can also vary significantly between breeds and individual birds.
What does it mean if my chicken’s comb is turning black or purple?
Darkening of the comb can indicate:
- Frostbite (in cold weather)
- Poor circulation
- Disease
- Serious health issues
If you notice this change, you should check your chicken for other symptoms and consider consulting with a poultry vet.
Caring for Your Chicken’s Red Parts
To keep your chicken’s comb, wattles, and earlobes healthy:
- Prevent frostbite – Apply petroleum jelly in freezing temperatures
- Watch for parasites – Mites and lice can infest these areas
- Monitor for injuries – Combs and wattles can be damaged during fights
- Keep them clean – Ensure drinking water and living areas are sanitary
- Regular health checks – Examine these features weekly for changes
Conclusion
Now ya know – those distinctive red parts on a chicken’s head are called the comb (on top), wattles (under the beak), and earlobes (by the ears). They’re not just decorative but serve important functions in temperature regulation, health indication, and even social status!
Whether you’re raising backyard chickens or just curious about these fascinating birds, understanding their anatomy helps you appreciate their unique adaptations. Next time you see a chicken, you’ll be able to identify these features and understand their importance to the bird’s wellbeing.
Have you noticed anything interesting about your chickens’ combs or wattles? I’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments below!
The chicken’s wattles and neckUnder the beak are two more fleshy lobes of skin, one on each side. These are called the
The neck of the chicken is long and slender. Itâs made for peeking over tall foliage to look for predators. The neck is covered with small, narrow feathers, called hackle feathers, that all point downward.
The beak and nostrils of chickensChickens have beaks for mouths. Most breeds have yellow beaks, but a few have dark blue or gray beaks. The lower half of a chickenâs beak fits inside the upper half of the beak. When the bird is breathing normally, you should not see a gap where daylight shows between the beak halves. Also, neither beak half should be twisted to one side.
A birdâs beak is made of thin, hornlike material and functions to pick up food. Beaks are present on baby chicks, and a thickened area on the end of the beak, called the egg tooth, helps them chip their way out of the eggshell. Chickens also use their beaks to groom themselves, running their feathers through their beaks to smooth them. Chickens donât have teeth, but inside the beak is a triangular-shaped tongue. The tongue has tiny barbs on it that catch and move food to the back of the mouth. Chickens have few taste buds, and their sense of taste is limited.
At the top of the beak are the chickenâs two nostrils, or nose openings. The nostrils are surrounded by a raised tan patch called the cere. In some birds, the nostrils may be partially hidden by the bottom of the comb. Birds with topknots have much larger nostril caverns. The nostrils should be clean and open. A chickenâs sense of smell is probably as good as a humanâs, according to the latest research.