312 FARM ANIMALS 



since otherwise they have no associates. As is 

 well known neither hens nor roosters will have 

 anything to do with capons and they therefore lack 

 company unless allowed to take care of young 

 chickens. They may, therefore, be used, if con- 

 venient in the place of brooders. Not only the 

 breeds already mentioned may be used for the 

 production of capons but also the Cochins, Lang- 

 shans, Leghorns and Dorkings. 



The operation of caponizing, while comparatively 

 simple in the hands of an expert, requires, never- 

 theless, considerable skill which can only be ob- 

 tained by actual practice. As a rule there is a 

 large percentage of slips among the first attempts 

 of a breeder to produce capons. It is usually 

 recommended in caponizing cockerels that the 

 fowl be placed in such a position that the sunlight 

 strikes fairly upon it so that operator can see his 

 work. The fowl is then laid upon its left side and 

 the wings and legs are fastened so that it cannot 

 move during the operation. Curiously enough, 

 however, the operation itself often appears to cause 

 no inconvenience or suffering to the fowl. If the 

 side of the bird where the operation is to be done 

 is moistened with cold water the bleeding will be 

 greatly checked. Any common antiseptic may be 

 addea to the water to prevent complications. An 

 incision about one inch long is made between the 

 first and second ribs, the cut is then spread and a 

 scoop spoon introduced. Some care must be 

 exercised not to cut too near the backbone. The 

 right testicle is first exposed after which by pushing 

 the intestines aside the left may be seen and may 

 be twisted off after which the other is removed. 

 There are many companies which sell caponizing 

 tools at a small price and any reliable firm will 



