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Book 31, Question 25 · Video

What are the red, wobbly parts on a rooster’s head?

Video · 1:49 · Crafty Clover explains, from A Million Whys Book 31

The fleshy crest on top is called a comb and the pieces that dangle below the beak are called wattles. They are full of tiny blood vessels. On a hot day, the blood flowing through the comb and wattles gives off heat to the air, which helps the bird cool down. A bright red comb also shows that a chicken is healthy.

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What Crafty Clover says in this video

Intro

Hi there, curious minds! I'm Crafty Clover! Let's discover something amazing. What are the red, wobbly parts on a rooster’s head?

The Big Idea

Roosters have red, wobbly parts on their heads. They look funny, but they do a job! What are they?

Names

Step one: Names. The fleshy crest on top of a chicken's head is called a comb. The pieces that dangle below the beak are called wattles.

Cooling Off

Step two: Cooling Off. Combs and wattles are full of tiny blood vessels. On a hot day, blood flowing through them gives off heat to the air, which helps the bird cool down.

A Health Sign

Step three: A Health Sign. A bright red comb also shows that a chicken is healthy. Farmers often check the comb to see how a bird is feeling.

A Closer Look

Let's take a closer look! On top. Hang below. Lots of them. Lets it out.

Quick Facts

Quick facts! Chickens can't sweat, so combs and wattles help them cool off. Turkeys have big wattles too. A bright red comb means a healthy chicken. Combs release heat into the air.

Think Like a Scientist

Now, think like a scientist! Look at pictures of a rooster, a hen, and a turkey. Point out the comb on each. Point out the wattles. Which bird has the largest wattles? Which has the biggest comb?

Outro

The red crest on top is the comb, and the dangly parts below the beak are wattles. They're full of blood vessels that release heat on hot days, since chickens can't sweat, and a bright red comb shows a healthy chicken. Science is amazing! Keep asking questions! The more you look around, the more wonders you will find, so keep your eyes open! Crafty Clover can be found on Amazon Books, Google Bookstore, and Apple Books. Available for purchase or download! Bye for now!

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