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Male chickens are known as roosters (in the U.S., Canada and Australia), cockerels, or cocks. Female chickens are known as hens. Roosters can be differentiated from hens by their striking plumage, marked by long flowing tails and bright pointed feathers on their necks. Both the male and female have distinctive wattles and combs. These organs help to cool the bird by redirecting bloodflow to the skin. In males, the combs are often more prominent, though this is not the case in all varieties. Chickens are omnivores and will feed on small seeds, herbs and leaves, grubs, insects and even small mammals like mice, if they can get them. Domestic chickens are typically fed commercially prepared feed that includes a protein source as well as grains. Chickens often scratch at the soil to get at adult insects and larva or seed. Incidents of cannibalism can occur when a curious bird pecks at a pre-existing wound. This is exacerbated in close quarters. In commercial production this is controlled with "de-beaking" (removal of 2/3 of the top half and 1/3 of the lower half of the beak) and red lighting to make blood indistinguishable from the rest of the bird.
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