Purpose Of Comb/Wattles?

[TheChiggens]

This ive been wondering this for a while-

So I know roosters have combs/wattles to show of to females. But there must be other reasons. Ive have kinda a guess that it helps realise heat during hot weather. But im not sure.

What do you experts know?

 

[sylviethecochin]

I knew nothing, though I've always assumed, since chickens kept under artificial light tend to have large, pale combs, that they're important in the synthesis of vitamin D. Can't find anything to confirm that, though.

https://www.chickenwhisperermagazine.com/health-and-wellness/all-about-chicken-combs claims that the combs contain hyaluronic acid, a substance used to lubricate chicken joints (and human joints, after harvest). He does not give a source, but it doesn't seem like information one could come up with out of the blue, so I tracked down an article (not sure if it's the original one or not; there are a few).

Otherwise, body heat and ornamentation seem to be it.

 

[TheChiggens]

Ok thanks ill check it out!

 

[HuffleClaw]

The 'purpose' of combs & wattles on chickens is for heat regulation. Birds can’t sweat like us humans can, so instead chickens cool themselves through the circulation of blood. Combs/Wattles are rich with blood vessels and veins for over-heated blood to circulate through. The blood cools as it’s circulating through the veins in the comb/wattles. Hope that helps answer your question...

 

[JadeFarms]

The 'purpose' of combs & wattles on chickens is for heat regulation. Birds can’t sweat like us humans can, so instead chickens cool themselves through the circulation of blood. Combs/Wattles are rich with blood vessels and veins for over-heated blood to circulate through. The blood cools as it’s circulating through the veins in the comb/wattles. Hope that helps answer your question...

That’s another reason I have that goes against dubbing chickens.