144 



Animal Castration 



than the ordinary male bird. At same time the body is developing 

 the texture of the flesh is improving, and it is now a well recognized 

 fact that the flavor and texture of the flesh of a capon is as much 

 improvement over that of a rooster as the meat of a steer is over 

 that of a bull. Hence capons are entitled to and do command a 

 higher market price than either roosters or hens. Capons are less 

 trouble to care for and to keep within prescribed bounds than 

 other chickens. The economic value of caponizing justifies its 

 more general j:>ractice. 



Selection of Breeds— Always select from the large breeds, viz: 

 Light Brahmas, Cochins, Plymouth Rocks, Langshans, Wyan- 

 dotts, Orpingtons, etc. 



Age — Two or three months is the best age at which to operate. 

 The chicken should weigh from 1 1-2 to 2 pounds. Never operate 

 after five months old. The mortality is low in young fowls and in- 

 creases with age. 



Season — Summer— June, July and August. 



Pig. 114 — Restraint of the Fowl for Caponizing. A, A, Weight at Ends of Cords; 

 B, Cords Looped Around Legs; C, Cord Looped Around Wings. 



