Combs and hot AND cold breeds

[CoopBoots]

Pea-combs are universally superior in my opinion. I'm not sure why anyone would prefer a single comb, for any purpose

I like how they look, tbh, so aesthetically I'd choose them. But that's only if you count appearances as a purpose.

I could be wrong but don't single combs cool themselves a bit better due to the extra surface area, or am I crazy? I'll go check to see if I actually have sources for my recollection...

Quick edit: here's a source on cooling function of bare skin and caruncles (I think, also had no idea combs and wattles counted as caruncles but that makes sense): https://sora.unm.edu/sites/default/files/journals/auk/v113n02/p0310-p0318.pdf

That would have further implications for bearded or muffed chickens in the heat too, I suppose, since they don't grow wattles? Super interesting stuff.

 

[fluffycrow]

I like how they look, tbh, so aesthetically I'd choose them. But that's only if you count appearances as a purpose.

I could be wrong but don't single combs cool themselves a bit better due to the extra surface area, or am I crazy? I'll go check to see if I actually have sources for my recollection...

I like the pea comb look better, but it does not work for me. It's actually surface area. Doesn't matter if it's a huge Rose comb, Straight Comb, it just has to have a lot of surface area. Even some good sized pea combs get the job done. That is the reason I shared those two photos. The boy on the top acts normally in substantially higher temperatures than the boy on the bottom

 

[Red Mangrove]

I could be wrong but don't single combs cool themselves a bit better due to the extra surface area, or am I crazy? I'll go check to see if I actually have sources for my recollection...

Someone else pointed out once that males always have significantly larger combs than females. If it was genuinely important for heat regulation then logically there wouldn't be such a large difference between the two sexes

 

[MysteryChicken]

I've found really no evidence that combs help with heat regulation, nor evidence that combs, & wattles are attractive to hens.
The most likely function of the comb, & wattles is as a target for fighting, & show excitement, & occasional health problems through color change(Purple, or blueish discoloration).

A Dubbed Rooster has the same amount of success in attracting females as males that aren't dubbed.
Attractiveness is more likely linked to plumage color, & brightness.

 

[fluffycrow]

Someone else pointed out once that males always have significantly larger combs than females. If it was genuinely important for heat regulation then logically there wouldn't be such a large difference between the two sexes

I don't know about your males, but mine live significantly more active lives than their females. The only birds I see walking around on a regular basis in the hottest parts of the day are the males. Looking out for predators, moving the group around, bringing each hen to and back from the nest sites, regularly crowing, the list goes on and on. The females stay in the shade, only coming out after the temperature starts to fall. This significant difference in activity throughout the day does make it a necessity for them to cool off quicker. Let's not mention the rather large size difference between domesticated male and female. It's been theorised that the health of the bird can be detected through the comb. Thus, a male with a brighter comb is deemed as a healthy one, capable of keeping his group safe

 

[MysteryChicken]

I don't know about your males, but mine live significantly more active lives than their females. The only birds I see walking around on a regular basis in the hottest parts of the day are the males. Looking out for predators, moving the group around, bringing each hen to and back from the nest sites, regularly crowing, the list goes on and on. The females stay in the shade, only coming out after the temperature starts to fall. This significant difference in activity throughout the day does make it a necessity for them to cool off quicker. Let's not mention the rather large size difference between domesticated male and female. It's been theorised that the health of the bird can be detected through the comb. Thus, a male with a brighter comb is deemed as a healthy one, capable of keeping his group safe

Opposite when I free range my birds in the summer. The hens, & roosters are both active, & or go into the shade when too warm.

 

[fluffycrow]

I've found really no evidence that combs help with heat regulation

What would you consider evidence supporting that the comb and wattles play a role on heat regulation?

 

[fluffycrow]

If they do not have a task, self preservation tells them to stay in the shade. But a male has to perform his duties. If they follow the same patterns as the hens, then do they neglect their duties?

 

[Brabra]

Thank you

My original Buff Orpington rooster did get frost bite. I no longer have him.

Thank you for sharing

 

[MysteryChicken]

What would you consider evidence supporting that the comb and wattles play a role on heat regulation?

Some coloration changes to the face, comb, & wattles probably. Instead being bright red, probably lighten to a pink since lighter colors cool. It would make sense for this function to happen with as vascular the comb, & wattles are.

Just a theory, on what it may look like.