196 PRACTICAL POULTRY PRODUCTION 



Cutting off the head in kiUing the capon or picking the 

 feathers clean is hkely to result in not securing capon prices 

 for the fowls. After picking, the capons should be hung in 

 a cool place until all the animal heat is out of the body before 

 being shipped. 



QUESTIONS 



1. What is a capon? 



2. Why is a capon a more desirable table fowl than an uncapon- 

 ized male bird? 



3. What conditions should be the governing factors when produc- 

 ing capons on a large scale? 



4. What are the best breeds to oaponize? 



5. When is the most desirable time to caponize cockerels? Of 

 what importance is early hatching as concerning the production of 

 capons? 



6. Why is it so necessary to deprive cockerels of feed and water 

 for at least twenty-four hours before the operation? 



7. Name the essential instruments necessary for caponizing. 



8. Describe in detail the method of caponizing. 



9. What care and provision should be made for the birds after 

 they have been caponized? What are wind puffs and how can they 

 be relieved? 



10. Describe the method of dry-picking a capon. 



SUGGESTIONS 



1. The idea should not be obtained that the art of caponizing is 

 a difficult one, for such is not the case. Many instances are known where 

 boys and girls of fourteen years of age have become quite expert in 

 carrying on this operation. It is, therefore, recommended that mem- 

 bers of boys' and girls' poultry clubs should become proficient in carry- 

 ing on this operation through actual practice, following the plan as 

 described herein. Knowledge of the necessary steps, confidence, and 

 practice are the three factors necessary to make the operation success- 

 ful. 



2. During June or July carry on a, caponizing demonstration. 

 Such a demonstration held in connection with a farmers' meeting or in 

 a gathering of people interested in poultry always attracts attention 

 and creates interest. 



3. Farmers, poultrymen, and often those having smaller flocks 

 should endeavor to caponize at least a few cockerels each year, if for 

 no other pupose than to have them for home consumption. 



4. Inquiry should be made at your local market and near-by 

 markets as to the demands for capons. Should a desirable market 

 exist, other conditions l)cing equal, it will be found that the production 

 of capons will be the source of additional revenue from the poultry 

 flock. 



