Comb size question

[nakstk]

I was wondering if the size of the pullets/hens comb has anything to do with her dominance? My alpha pullet Shirley has the biggest comb and waddles compared to her 4 sisters.
Here she is

Here is one of her sister Mabel

and another sister Betty she is just finishing up a molt.

 

[Teena Marie]

Sorry, to new to give you an answer but this is an interesting question. I will watch what answers you get. Thank you.

 

[nakstk]

I had a very hard time telling who was the alpha girl for the longest time. They all got along so well, until I had one get an impacted crop and had to be separated from the rest of the flock for awhile. Then their true colors really shined. It was quite the comb pulling battle for a few days. I am just wondering if this is just how my girls ended up or if others find this to be true. And if the alpha hen changes would/does that hens comb grow bigger?

 

[nakstk]

Still wonder about this so I am bumping it up.

 

[centrarchid]

WHEN ALL ELSE IS EQUAL, the bigger and redder comb is associated with birds in better health. This may be most important with roosters which others chickens look at but it may play some role in hens as well.

In my birds, roosters with larger combs may have more testosterone and therefore appear to be more agressive.

 

[nakstk]

I have no Roos and never have. Shirley my girl with the biggest reddest comb also has a more red body then the others. We always thought she was maybe from a different hatch or different parents all together. I thought that could be why, then she started becoming more dominate. So I figured it was just a dominance things. I have only had chicken since July so I am still trying to figure them out.

 

[centrarchid]

I have no Roos and never have. Shirley my girl with the biggest reddest comb also has a more red body then the others. We always thought she was maybe from a different hatch or different parents all together. I thought that could be why, then she started becoming more dominate. So I figured it was just a dominance things. I have only had chicken since July so I am still trying to figure them out.

I think same rules apply for hens in respect to combs.

 

[nakstk]

Thanks

 

[ChicKat]

Niki
This is a really interesting observation. In my chickens---it has been the oldest that has had the most seniority in the pecking order---and they basically go down the totem pole based on age.

I do have one closer to the bottom with a larger comb than my top two...but then she is about 1-year younger. Your idea is a really good one.

 

[nakstk]

any one else have any insight on this?