Chook Me!

Is it illigal to cut off roosters cones that grow ontop of there head.?

If it is what states.

Public Comments

1. I heard that they would bleed to death if you did that. That would be so cruel.
2. why not try cutting off one of you fingers first?? Just to see .
3. only if its still alive at time.
4. I do believe that would go under the heading of Cruelty to Animals. Yes it is a offense.
5. It is actually called a comb, and no, it is not illegal, it is a common practice performed with very young chicks in the chicken industries. The reasons for doing it are to prevent fighting, death due ti blood loss, and increase the growth rate, plus allow the birds to access their food and water if the feeder is on the small side. Some breeders think a rooster with a large comb is more masculine, but that has not been my experience. A valid reason against doing it is that the comb helps the bird regulate its body temperature in hot climates- in cold climates, it may actually be detrimental to leave it on. I have heard that a California law made it illegal to keep a bird with comb and wattles removed (the fleshy bits on the side of the head), but that was to crack down on c0ck-fighting. I am unsure of other states, but you could do a search on "decombing" and easily find out. The procedure is performed with day old chicks before the nerve endings are completely developed, and if done in a sanitary manner is minimally painful, despite what you might think. I would strongly advise against it being done with an older bird unless a veternarian performs it under full anesthesia. Even then you should have a very good reason for doing it that provides some benefit to the bird.