Although combs are not weighted particularly high on the scale of points when it comes to judging ( only worth 5 points out of 100), they are important on the general symmetry of a bird. Roosters are scrutinized far harder then hens and rightly so, the comb on a cock is much larger and has a much harder time trying to hide a flaw then a wee hens comb. But by the same rule, many genetic flaws are passed on through the hens as their combs are smaller, so the defect is smaller and easier to miss.
Lets talk roosters as they are easier to show on. A comb done right will put him in a favorable light, where as a comb grown wrong can throw off his whole look. Balance is very important too, if the comb is a perfect comb, but very over sized for the bird, it can have the same effect as being a bad comb.
Take for example the splash marans cockerel on the left. he has a well balanced comb with 5 points and no defects. Wattles are well balanced as well and also free from defect. When ever considering a comb, it is always very important to understand what the standard for the breed calls for. Carnation comb for example is a serious genetic disqualification in almost all single comb breeds except for Penedesenca chickens. Single comb types seam the easiest to learn about faults and disqualifications (DQ's) on, so we'll focus on that.
Lets talk roosters as they are easier to show on. A comb done right will put him in a favorable light, where as a comb grown wrong can throw off his whole look. Balance is very important too, if the comb is a perfect comb, but very over sized for the bird, it can have the same effect as being a bad comb.
Take for example the splash marans cockerel on the left. he has a well balanced comb with 5 points and no defects. Wattles are well balanced as well and also free from defect. When ever considering a comb, it is always very important to understand what the standard for the breed calls for. Carnation comb for example is a serious genetic disqualification in almost all single comb breeds except for Penedesenca chickens. Single comb types seam the easiest to learn about faults and disqualifications (DQ's) on, so we'll focus on that.
The cockerel to the left is also a splash marans, about 4 or 5 months old and hatch mate to the one in the above paragraph. His comb is very respectable also but the main fault is the ragged end. A good comb should end after its 5 points very round and smooth, where as his has a torn look to it. He has a larger Comb and wattles then the cockerel above, but frame wise this rooster is wider (you can see his head is more substantial) so they are still well suited to his body. But they would be a poor match to the slighter rooster.
Size also matters when it comes to environment... larger combs are more prone to frost bite in cold areas. Same for wattles. Once those points are lost they are gone forever and to me it ruins the look of the whole head. Larger combs are often more prone to curving and easier to damage as well.
Size also matters when it comes to environment... larger combs are more prone to frost bite in cold areas. Same for wattles. Once those points are lost they are gone forever and to me it ruins the look of the whole head. Larger combs are often more prone to curving and easier to damage as well.
Carnation Comb & Side Sprigs
Both conditions refer to points being in the wrong place. The young cockerel on the left is a prime example of a carnation comb... its a swirl of points where the blade of a comb is. in minor cases it might be very small or maybe 1 or 2 points, larger cases you could be looking at even more points then the cockerel on the left. Cull hard for this, it is genetic and it is a DISQUALIFICATION! Also it is persistent! It can be very hard to breed out, so cull birds as soon as you find them. Side sprigs are similar but can be found anywhere on the comb. They are also a disqualification.
Be sure to check hens thoroughly for this as its often easier for them to hide it and pass it on to offspring.
Thumb prints are another problem for single comb birds, but i have yet to come across it in my breedings. Picture a normal comb made of play dough, squish your thumb into it... thats basically what it is, a depression like a thumb print. Sometimes the overall comb will still be straight, other times it will have a slight curve to the side with the mark.
Both traits are best left out of your breeding pens to prevent problems down the road, if you must use a bird with a problem, be sure not to use a mate with the same problem, and cull hard!
Both conditions refer to points being in the wrong place. The young cockerel on the left is a prime example of a carnation comb... its a swirl of points where the blade of a comb is. in minor cases it might be very small or maybe 1 or 2 points, larger cases you could be looking at even more points then the cockerel on the left. Cull hard for this, it is genetic and it is a DISQUALIFICATION! Also it is persistent! It can be very hard to breed out, so cull birds as soon as you find them. Side sprigs are similar but can be found anywhere on the comb. They are also a disqualification.
Be sure to check hens thoroughly for this as its often easier for them to hide it and pass it on to offspring.
Thumb prints are another problem for single comb birds, but i have yet to come across it in my breedings. Picture a normal comb made of play dough, squish your thumb into it... thats basically what it is, a depression like a thumb print. Sometimes the overall comb will still be straight, other times it will have a slight curve to the side with the mark.
Both traits are best left out of your breeding pens to prevent problems down the road, if you must use a bird with a problem, be sure not to use a mate with the same problem, and cull hard!