What Is a Rooster Coxcomb?

The coxcomb, aka the comb, is located on top of the rooster's head. It is a red, fleshy growth. The comb and the wattle, which is the matching red growth underneath the rooster's chin, both serve the same general function and purpose.

Your rooster uses his comb and wattle to help impress potential mates. Large, bright red combs and wattles are attractive to female hens. A rooster with a small comb or wattle may be less likely to attract the most desirable hens in the flock if competing roosters exist. Hens also have combs, but the combs are not as large as those on roosters. The purpose of hens' combs is the same in terms of blood flow and reproductive appeal.

The coxcomb and the wattle are located on the top and the bottom of your rooster's head. The comb and the wattle help improve blood flow through the area. Increased blood flow helps the rooster cool his own body down when temperatures start to climb. A discolored comb can be a sign that your rooster is not healthy. Combs are especially prone to frostbite when the weather turns cold. If your rooster's comb is blue or black, call your veterinarian as soon as possible.

The American Poultry Association lists nine possible comb shapes that roosters may have. These comb shapes include the single comb, the carnation comb, the pea comb, the buttercup comb, the cushion comb, the strawberry comb, the rose comb, the silke comb, the walnut comb and the V-shaped comb. Each comb has specific unique characteristics that designate its shape. Some combs, such as the cushion comb, are most common in specific breeds of chicken. Chantecler chickens have cushion combs.