CAPONS 



401 



an average weight of eight pounds for a year-old bird and a sell- 

 ing price of thirty cents, we have a market value at killing time 

 of two dollars and forty cents; this leaves a profit of over one 

 dollar and twenty cents. But the price and weight may each be 

 less. A comparison of profits from capons and cockerels, as shown 

 in figure 184, proves the value of caponizing. 



Spaying. By spaying is meant the removal of the ovaries 

 or productive organs of the pullet or female in much the same 



FIQ. 184. The comparison of weights (cockerel 55^ Ibs., capon 7J^ Ibs.) proves the advan- 

 tage of caponizing. Both are from the same brood of Langshans, seven months old. 



manner as caponizing is performed. From a practical stand- 

 point it will never become general, for the following reasons: 



The value of pullets for egg production is so high that it is 

 doubtful if they would ever be as profitable if disposed of for meat. 



After the operation there is no pronounced change in charac- 

 teristics, nor is there the rapid development of flesh seen in capons. 



It is almost impossible to remove the ovaries so completely 

 that they will not again develop, even with the greatest care 

 and the use of caustics to kill any remaining tissue. 



Therefore the results of spaying are not such as to warrant 

 its general practice. 

 26 



