Comb Structure

The ACBA SOP defines the Ayam Cemani comb as:

Single; fine in texture, of large size, straight and upright; firm and even on the head, having five distinct points, deeply serrated and extending well off the back of the head with no tendency to follow the shape of the neck; smooth, free from twists or folds.

Color: Intense black

When comparing our SOP to the APA’s 100-point judging scale and handbook, the comb accounts for just 5 out of 100 points. While every point matters, it’s important to evaluate the bird as a whole - carefully weighing strengths and weaknesses to find overall balance.

Disqualifications (DQs) for Single Comb (APA)

 • Split comb

 • Side sprig

 • Lopped comb

We’ll go over each of these, along with some common faults seen within the breed.

Before anything else, let’s start with the proper way to count comb points.

To count correctly, begin at the front of the comb and count every point leading back to the blade at the rear of the comb.

Yes, the SOP calls for deeply serrated points - but whether a point is well-defined or not, it is still a point and must be counted.

It’s also important to note that the blade should lift off the back of the head, not follow the neck. You want to see that upward lift, rather than a comb that appears weighted down and curves inward.

A lopped comb is one that falls over to one side.

Any comb that falls below the horizontal plane at the point where the bend occurs is a disqualification in both males and females - except in breeds where a lopped comb is a defining trait (such as Leghorns).

Important note:

Single-combed females in or near production with slightly lopped combs should not be heavily penalized.

A split comb is a definitive division in the rear of the blade.

It often appears as though the comb is splitting into two, forming a “Y” shape from front to back. You may see what looks like two blades or two rows of points.

This is sometimes more common in breeds where combs are dubbed, as comb structure is less emphasized.

Side sprigs are well-defined points or projections growing from the side of the comb.

When viewing the comb straight on, sprigs appear as small points or nodules that do not align with the main row of points.

Both side sprigs and split combs are genetic faults and will continue to appear in offspring if not properly managed.

Sprigs, in particular, are autosomal dominant, meaning they can spread quickly through a breeding program without careful selection and record-keeping.

Because of this, it is recommended to cull birds exhibiting these traits to prevent ongoing issues.

A defect is a flaw that results in point deductions.

A disqualification is a severe fault requiring removal from competition.

A twisted comb is a single (or pea) comb that forms curves, folds, or irregular shapes.

This often presents as an “S” shape or uneven folding, especially toward the front of the comb as the bird matures.

While it is a fault, it is generally easier to correct through selective breeding than some genetic disqualifications.

One of the most common faults seen in Ayam Cemani is the thumb mark.

A thumb mark is a noticeable indentation in the side of the comb, typically toward the blade.

Think of the comb like soft clay - smooth and straight - then pressed inward with a thumb, creating a dip or indentation.

This can be difficult to detect before full maturity, which is why growing birds out as long as possible before breeding is critical for long-term success.

In the end, while comb quality only accounts for a small portion of the scorecard, it plays a significant role in overall presentation and breed integrity. Understanding how to properly evaluate comb structure - from counting points to identifying faults and disqualifications - allows us to make more informed breeding and showing decisions. By staying mindful of both strengths and weaknesses, we continue moving the Ayam Cemani forward with purpose and consistency.