CAPONIZING 309 
hair or fine wire, or one of the other forms of instrument previously 
described, now comes into use. If the cannula is used, allow the hair 
or wire protruding from the end to form a small loop just large 
enough to slip over the testicle. Work this over the testicle, being 
careful to inclose the entire organ. Now tighten up on the free ends 
of the hair or wire being careful not to catch any part of the 
artery. If the spermatic cord does not separate, saw lightly with 
Fie. 64. The spreader removed and the weights taken off the wings. Notice 
how the skin slips back over the incision so as to close it. (Drawn from 
photograph by Slocum) 
the hair or wire. When the testicle is free, remove it from the body. 
The method of removing the testicle is shown in figure 63. If only 
the upper testicle has been removed, turn the bird over and proceed 
in exactly the same manner upon the other side. 
After removing the testicle, if the bleeding is at all profuse it is 
well to remove a portion of the blood by introducing small pieces 
of absorbent cotton into the body-by means of the hook or nippers, 
allowing them to become saturated and then removing them. Be sure 
to remove all blood clots, feathers, or foreign matter. After the 
testicles and all foreign matter are removed, take out the spreaders, 
thus allowing the skin to slip back over the incision. 
LOSSES DUE TO CAPONIZING 
Even experts are sure to kill some birds, but the loss is small, 
seldom exceeding 5 per cent where any considerable number are 
caponized, and usually not more than 2 or 3 per cent. With be- 
ginners, of course, the percentage is much larger, but with a little 
