Montpelier examiner. [volume] (Montpelier, Idaho) 1895-1937, 1915-07-23

Many farmers and poultry fanclers
have found it profitable to turn all
their surplus cockerels into capons by
altering or castrating them; others
think they can do better by selling
the cockerels as bFOileTs as long as
prices hold up and eaponize only later
Matched chicks.
The capon OF castrated rooster bears
the same relation to a eockerel that
steer does to a bull, a barrow to q
boar, or wether to q ram. AS with
other male animals so altered, the dis
position of the capon differs materially
from that of the cockereL As result
Of the more peaceful disposition of the
capon he continues to grow and his
body develops more uniformly and TO a
somewhat greater size than is the case
with a cockerel of the same age
Selection Of Breeds.
1t does not pay to caponize small
fowls. Yellow legs and skin, as In
other classes Of poultry, are most pop
ular. The Plymouth Rocks, Light
Brahmas, Cochins, Indian Games,
Langshans and Wyandottes are all
recommended by different producers,
as are also various crosses OF these.
The Brahmas and Cochins possess
good size. The Plymouth Rocks and
Wyandottes are somewhat smaller, but
sell readily and possess the advantage
of yellow skin and legs. The Lang
shan is large and is easily operated
upon. The Indian Game is probably
most useful as cross upon some one
of the other breeds, thereby improving
the breast meat without materially re-
ducing the size of the fowl
Time to CaponIze.
In so far as the effects of the opera
ton and the rapidity and ease Of heal
ing are concerned, the time of year
when the operation is performed is Of
little Importance. The age and size Of
the cockerel. however, are very impor-
tant AS soon as the cockerels weigh
two to three pounds, or when two to
four months old, they should be opera
ted upon. The lower age and weight
limits apply particularly to the Ameri-
can breeds. while the higher apply to
the Asiatics.
The fact that capons are in greatest
demand and bring the best prices from
the Christmas season until the end Of
March, and that 1t takes about ten
months to grow and finish them. prop
er1y, makes it important to hatch the
chicks in early spring SO that they will
be of proper size for caponizing in
June, July and August These are by
far the most popular months for the
operation, though in some cases Ii is
performed still later.
Operation of caponizlnn,
Before beginning the operation two
conditions are absolutely essential. Ii
these are not favorable, do not at.
tempt to operate. The first of these is
that the intestines of the fowl should
be completely empty. so that they will
fall away and expose the testicle to
view. This can be accomplished by
shutting up the fowls and withholding
all food and water for twenty-four to
thirty-six hours before the operation
Thirty-six hours Is better than twenty
four, especially for beginner. The
second condition Is a good, strong
light, so that the organs OF the fowl
may be clearly and easily distin
gaished. Direct sunlight is best fol
this, and in consequence it is well tC
operate out of doors on bright day
Methods Of Holding the Fowl.
When ready to operate, catch the
bird and pass a moose of strong strinf
about the legs. Do the same with botI
wings close to the shoulder joints. Tt
the other end of the strings are at
tached weights of sufficient size tt
hold down and stretch out the birC
when placed upon the head of bar
rel or box of convenient height, which
is to serve as operating table.
Having fastened the fowl, be sur,
that all the instruments are at hand
It is also well, though not necessary
to have ready some absorbent cottoI
and a dish of water to which has beef
added few drops of carbolic acid
Having once started, carry the opera
ton through as quickly as possible
Moisten and remove the feathers from
small area over the last two rih
Just in front of the thigh. With tn,
left hand slide the skin and flesh dow,
toward the thigh. Holding 1t thus
make the incision between the las
two ribs, holding the edge of the knit
away from Won as you stand back q
the fowl. Lengthen the incision i,
each direction until it is one 10 on
and half inches long. Now inser
the spreader into the incision. thu
springing the ribs apart. The mites
tines will now be visible, covered nv
thin membrane called the omentnr
Tear apart this membrane with IN
hook, and the upper testicle. yellow q
sometimes rather dark colored an
about the size and shape of an orr
nary bean, should be visible close n
against the backbone. BY pushing asid
the intestines this can easily be seer
and the lower one also, in a simila
position on the other side of the bael
bone. Expert operators usually n
move testicles through one incisio,
inexperienced operators win usualI
find 1t well to attempt the removal ,
the upper or nearer testicle only an
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