POULTRY FLESH AND FATTENING 
ing of chickens for meat as an industry independent of keep- 
ing hens for egg production. 
The cramming machine is a device by means of which food 
in a semi-liquid state is pumped into the bird’s crop, through 
a tube inserted in the mouth. This means of feeding is much 
more used in Europe than in this country. It requires good 
stock and careful workmen. The method will probably slowly 
gain ground in this country. The feed used in cramming is 
similar to that used in ordinary crate feeding, except that it 
is mixed as a thin batter. 
Caponizing. 
Caponizing is the castration of male chickens. Capons hold 
the same place in the poultry market as do steers in the beef 
market. 
Caponizing is practiced to quite an extent in France, and to 
a less degree in England and the United States. 
Much the larger part of the industry is confined to that por- 
tion of the United States east of Philadelphia, though increas- 
ing numbers of capons are being raised in the North Central 
States. During the winter months capon is regularly quoted 
in the markets of the larger eastern cities. Massachusetts and 
New Jersey are the great centers for the growing of capons, 
while Boston, New York, and Philadelphia are the great 
markets. In many eastern markets the prices paid for dressed 
capons range from 20 to 30 cents a pound. The highest prices 
usually prevail from January to May, and the larger the birds 
the more they bring a pound. 
The purpose of caponizing is not, as is sometimes stated, to 
increase the size of the chicken, but to improve the quality of 
the meat. The capon fattens more readily and economically 
than other birds. As they do not interfere with or worry one 
another, large flocks may be kept together. 
The breeds suitable for caponizing are the Asiatics and 
Americans. Brahmas will produce, with proper care and suffi- 
cient time, the largest and finest capons. On the ordinary 
farm, where capons would be allowed to run loose, Plymouth 
Rocks would prove more profitable. Plymouth Rocks, 
Brahmas, Langshans, Wyandottes, Indian Games, may all be 
used for capons. Leghorns are not to be considered for this 
purpose. 
Capons should be operated upon when they are about ten 
weeks or three months old and weigh about two pounds. 
The operation of caponizing is performed by cutting in be- 
tween the last two ribs. Both testicles may be removed from 
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