CAPONIZING 305 
to spring apart the ribs far enough to allow the instruments to be 
inserted into the body must be used. A plain spring spreader, as 
shown in figure 58, d, or a sliding spreader (Fig. 58, e), allowing the 
pressure to be gauged, will answer the purpose. A sharp-pointed 
hook (Fig. 58, 2), for tearing away the thin membranes, and a blunt 
probe, of which figure 58, g, is one type, for pushing aside the intes- 
tines, complete the necessary equipment. A pair of small tweezers 
or nippers (Fig. 58, f) is also useful in removing any foreign matter 
from the body. 
THE OPERATION OF CAPONIZING 
Before beginning the operation two conditions are absolutely essen- 
tial. If these are not favorable, do not attempt 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 24 to 36 hours before the operation. With- 
holding water tends to make the blood thicker and consequently to 
decrease the amount of bleeding. Thirty-six hours is better than 24, 
especially for a beginner. The second condition is a good, strong 
light, so that the organs of the fowl may be clearly and easily dis- 
tinguished. Direct sunlight is best for this, and in consequence it is 
well to operate out of doors on a bright day. Some operators have 
substituted the physician’s head reflector and artificial light with 
good success. An ordinary incandescent electric bulb fastened to a 
gooseneck standard and provided with a reflector can be used to good 
advantage when caponizing indoors. It has been suggested that a 
probe consisting of a small electric bulb on the end of a slender rod 
and operated by small dry batteries, so that it can be introduced into 
the body cavity, could be manufactured and used with good success. 
METHODS OF HOLDING THE FOWL 
When ready to operate, catch the bird and pass a noose of strong 
string about the legs. Do the same with both wings close to the 
shoulder joints. To the other end of the strings are attached weights 
of sufficient size to hold down and stretch out the bird when placed 
upon the head of a barrel or box of convenient height, which is to 
serve as operating table. These weights are allowed to hang on oppo- 
site sides of the barrel or box (Fig. 59). <A table, if so desired, may 
