Читать книгу The Henkeeping Specialist - David Squire - Страница 9

All chickens have a comb on their head. It is a fleshy growth and those on males are usually larger than ones on hens. The shapes and colours of combs vary from one breed to another. Many are red, but some are purple. Combs are not just present to give a chicken status and to make it more attractive to the opposite sex – they have a functional role in helping to cool a chicken during periods of high temperature. Incidentally, because blood is able to flow freely through a comb, it makes them extra sensitive during cold weather, especially if they are large. Coating a comb in petroleum jelly helps to provide cold-weather protection. There are several types of comb, including:

Rose

The comb lies almost flat on top and is broad, solid and very fleshy. The main part has a curved surface, with small, round protuberances. It ends in a single spike at the back of the head, called a leader.

Single

Thin and attached to the beak and along the skull. On the top there are 5–6 deep grooves that create several sharp points along the comb’s top. This is the most common type of comb.

Strawberry

The comb is very low and is known as strawberry because of its shape. It has a rough surface.

Horn

Known also as the ‘V-shaped comb’, it has two pieces that look like horns, joined at their base.

Pea

Low, with three ridges. The middle ridge is slightly higher and larger than the other two.

Buttercup

The comb is cup shaped with regularly spaced points, resembling a crown. It is finely textured.

LEARNING THE PECKING ORDER – AND THIS MEANS YOU!

As you learn to live with chickens you will find that they put you as their leader – top in the pecking order! They will have decided that, as you provide their food, you will be revered. They will approach you in various ways, depending on their gender.

 Cocks (also known as roosters): The males will approach you cautiously, with direct eye contact and a slow flap of their wings.

 Hens: They might greet you in the same way as a cock bird, especially if they are feeling perky. This might be accompanied by the bird flapping her wings. If particularly friendly, she may also stand on your shoes and peck against your trousers. This is usually an approach that indicates she wants to be picked up. Unfortunately, this extra attention may create jealousy among the other hens.

Squabbling hens

Occasionally, squabbles occur between hens when they are not sure of the pecking order. Do not use your hands to separate them; rather, gently spray them with clean water. If further squabbles occur, it is usually best to rehome one of them.

Introducing new hens to an established group

This can be tricky but folklore suggests there are several ways to prevent trouble arising, including:

 Wait until night, when it is pitch dark.

 Rub garlic over the hen that is about to be introduced.