Wednesday, January 16, 2013

Combs - The Bowlers, Fedoras and Berets of the Chicken World


Combs come in all different shapes and sizes. The comb was designed as a heat regulator for chickens, thus, those breeds that developed in warmer climates will have larger combs while those that developed in colder climates are likely to have small combs that sits close to the head.

The following illustrations represent most but not all of the common comb varieties. I would have put more on here, but I was having far too much fun creating the illustrations and if I didn't stop, it could have been a week before I was ready to post!

The Single Comb is probably the most common comb type, found on many breeds around the world, which should come as no surprise as the original ancestor of the chicken, gallus gallus had this comb.

(Edward Neale - Gallus Gallus)

Breeds sporting this impressive, multi-pointed crown include the Ancona, Andalusian, Australorp, Barnevelder, Belgian D'Uccle, Campine, Catalana, Cochin, Delaware, Dorking, Dutch, Faverolles, Egyptian Fayoumi, Holland, Java, Jersey Giant, Lakenvelder, Langshan, Leghorn, Marans, Minorca, Modern Game, Naked Neck, New Hampshire, Old English Game, Orpington, Phoenix, Plymouth Rock, Rhode Island, Sussex and Welsummer.

Breeds including the Ameraucana, Brahma, Buckeye, Cornish, Cubalaya, Sumatra and Yokohama are topped with this comb type.


The Sicilian Buttercup is known for this double-sided, multi-pointed comb.



Worn by the fasionable Dominique (Dominiker), Dorking, Hamburg (Hamburg), Leghorn, Minorca, Redcap, Derbyshire Redcap, Rhode Island, Rosecomb, Sebright and Wyandott.

Shown off by the Orloff, Russian Orloff, Silkie and Yokoham.

And now for my favorite...
AKA: Bat Comb! 

The V-Comb... Not just for bats any more! This comb is worn by the Appenzeller, Crevecoeur, Houdan, La Fleche, Marvel (just kidding), Polish (Poland) and Sultan.


For most breeds, a single comb that is folded or bent is considered a fault. Not so for Leghorn hens where is folded comb is a common and even sought after fascinator.


Combs not represented in this post are the Strawberry (worn by the Maylay) and Cushion (worn by the Chantecler). Perhaps I'll add them later if I get time to do illustrations for them.

So tell us - - how many comb styles are represented in your coop?

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10 comments:

  1. Lovely illustrations!

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  2. Leigh,

    The Houdan has a V comb! Don't forget to add them!

    -aoxa

    PS: Awesome drawings!

    ReplyDelete
  3. My favourite is your illustration of the folded comb. She is adorable <3

    -aoxa

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  4. What a great post. Beautiful drawings. I had a similar post on tap but was going to have to use stock photos since I don't have but maybe two different comb types in my flock. I will definitely include a link to this post when I write mine up. It's just great!
    Lisa
    www.fresh-eggs-daily.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Super! And let me know if you'd like to use any of the images directly and I will send them to you. :o)
      Leigh

      Delete
  5. Great illustrations! And I got the email this morning at 6:17 am! Very nice!

    LM

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  6. Love your art work! You are very talented!
    I carry three types of combs
    SC,RC,FSC

    Vicki

    ReplyDelete
  7. I love rooster combs, the funkier the better! Beautiful artwork. I agree, you're very talented.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you! I had a lot of fun working on these! And you're right - combs are just cool! LOL!

      Delete
  8. The pyncheon has a folded comb as well.... the cockerels at least.

    I have folded, single, pea, rose, walnut and V combs in my flock. Buttercups are a bit too crazy for me.

    ReplyDelete

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