Chicken wattles are one of the most distinctive features of chickens These fleshy lobes hanging down under a chicken’s beak may seem like a decorative accessory, but they actually serve several important purposes
What Exactly Are Chicken Wattles?
Wattles are loosely hanging flaps of skin located under a chicken’s beak. They come in various shapes and sizes depending on the breed. Wattles contain a rich network of blood vessels under the skin, which is why they often appear red or pink in color. The texture is smooth and fleshy.
Along with the comb on top of a chicken’s head wattles play a key role in thermoregulation. The increased blood flow close to the skin surface in wattles allows heat to dissipate cooling the bird’s body temperature. This helps chickens stay comfortable in hot weather.
How Are Wattles Different From Combs?
While wattles and combs are often talked about together, they are distinct structures with some overlapping functions. The comb sits on top of the head, while wattles hang below the beak.
Both wattles and combs contain many blood vessels that aid cooling through heat exchange. However, combs play a more significant role in sexual selection and establishing pecking order dominance. Changes in comb and wattle appearance can signal illness.
Wattle Differences Between Chicken Breeds
There is quite a bit of variation in wattle size, shape, and prominence across different chicken breeds. This diversity stems from selective breeding over time.
Some breeds like Silkies have smaller, less noticeable wattles covered by fluffy feathers. Leghorns are known for their large, vibrant red wattles that stand out against white plumage. Easter Eggers usually have medium-sized, well-defined wattles contributing to their unique look.
The Role of Wattles in Chicken Life and Behavior
Beyond cooling chickens down, wattles serve other purposes like signaling health and fitness. Here are some of their key roles:
Mating and Social Hierarchy
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Bright, plump wattles are seen as indicators of good health by potential mates. Hens prefer roosters with large, red wattles.
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Dominant chickens with bigger wattles often rank higher in the pecking order, getting first access to resources.
Growth and Development
- Wattle growth begins early in a chick’s life and progresses as they mature to adulthood. Proper development depends on nutrition, health, and favorable environmental conditions.
What Impacts Chicken Wattle Health?
A chicken’s wattles can reveal a lot about their overall wellbeing. Here are some key factors influencing wattle health and appearance:
Nutrition
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Protein, vitamins A, E, and D, and minerals like zinc and selenium support wattle health.
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Dehydration causes droopy, dry wattles. Constant access to fresh water is essential.
Housing Conditions
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Extreme hot or cold temperatures can stress wattles and cause issues like frostbite.
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Poor ventilation, overcrowding, and cramped conditions lead to health and behavior issues that indirectly harm wattles.
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Bullying and aggressive pecking cause wattle damage. Adequate space reduces conflict.
Interesting Wattle Facts & Myths
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Chicken wattles are edible in some cuisines and provide collagen when slow-cooked. But chickens can’t regrow lost wattles.
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While all standard chicken breeds have wattles, some breeds have very small or hardly noticeable ones.
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There’s no evidence that larger wattles help chickens cool better. Size differences likely evolved from aesthetic breeding preferences.
Troubleshooting Common Wattle Problems
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Discourage aggressive pecking by reducing overcrowding, boredom, and resource competition that trigger conflicts.
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Protect wattles from frostbite by providing a well-insulated, draft-free coop and applying petroleum jelly in very cold weather.
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Gently clean wattle injuries and apply antibiotic ointment to prevent infection while healing. Isolate injured chickens.
Why Are Chicken Wattles Important?
Though wattles may seem like trivial appendages, they serve key roles in thermoregulation, communication about health/fitness, mate selection, and establishing pecking order. Changes in wattle appearance can signal illness early. Considering wattle condition provides insight into overall chicken health and wellbeing.
While amusing to look at, chicken wattles reveal a lot about a chicken’s state and needs. Understanding wattle function allows chicken owners to better support their flock’s health and happiness. So next time you see those funny flaps, appreciate the importance of chicken wattles!
Do All Chickens Have Wattles?
Most chickens have wattles, but there are some exceptions! Breeds with “beards” (feathers under their beaks) often have very small wattles or none at all. If you have Silkies, Faverolles, or bearded Polish chickens in your flock, you might not spot much in the way of wattles on these fancy feathered friends.
Do All Chickens Have Combs?
Yes! Every chicken has a comb, though some are so small you might have to look closely to spot them. Chicks start with tiny combs that develop as they mature. As your cute little chicks grow up, you might notice that the cockerels (young roosters) tend to develop larger combs faster than the pullets (young hens).
Some chicken breeds have been developed with smaller combs, making them more cold-hardy. Smaller combs are less likely to get frostbite in winter weather. On the flip side, breeds with larger combs often handle heat better since those big combs help dissipate body heat more effectively.
Looking for a cold-hardy breed for your backyard flock? Consider chickens with smaller combs, like Wyandottes or Brahmas. If you live in a hot climate, larger-comb breeds like Leghorns might be more comfortable.
All about chickens’ Combs and Wattles
FAQ
What is the purpose of wattles?
A chicken’s wattles function in the same way as its comb. The wattles help with body temperature control, can act as a health indicator, and make a chicken more sexually attractive for mating. Like the comb, the wattles also have lots of blood flowing through them.
At what age do chickens get wattles?
Combs & Wattles
Because males typically begin to mature earlier than females, their combs and wattles do, also. Male chicks start to grow larger and redder combs and wattles as early as four weeks old, whereas the comb and wattles of a female turn red and grow larger just before she lays, or around six months old.
Will a chicken’s comb grow back?
Frostbite on chickens appears as black spots or areas on the tips of their comb or wattles. Depending on the severity of frostbite, the tissue will turn black. Meaning it’s dead, and it won’t grow back.