CASTRATION OF THE BIRD (CAPONIZING) 509 



If the opening has been properly made the lower testis will 

 be in plain view. Always remove the lower one first, for if the 

 upper one be removed first there may be some hemorrhage 

 take place that will make it very hard to find the lower one 

 later. For beginners it is better to operate from both sides, 

 each time removing the upper one. 



The testicular tissue is very soft, and it is necessary to use 

 great care to remove all of the tissue. If it is crushed it will be 

 very difficult to successfully remove it, so that it is necessary 

 that the operation be done with skill. If care is not used, often 

 the end of a testis will break off, and this part remaining 

 makes a slip. This small particle will furnish some internal 

 secretion, and the bird can neither be regarded as a cockerel 

 or as a capon. Slips are undesirable. The accidents may be 

 as follows : On account of the testes laying close to the vertebra 

 or backbone, in close proximity to the abdominal aorta and 

 other large vessels, and that the capsule of the testis is attached 

 to them, too much traction, or improperly applj'ing the trac- 

 tors, may result in rupture of the vessel and fatal hemorrhage 

 occur at once. If the abdominal aorta is ruptured there will 

 be noted a hissing sound, and the bird becomes pale in the 

 face and comb and immediately collapses. In this case cut 

 off the head and the bird can be used for food. If the bird 

 is allowed to struggle after the operation, a large vessel al- 

 ready injured by the operation may rupture and fatal hem- 

 orrhage result. 



After the operation, if the incision has been properly made, 

 no suture is necessary, but if the opening in the abdominal wall 

 be large it is well to take one or two sutures with clean sterile 

 cotton or silk thread. 



After the operation is completed remove the birds as care- 

 fully as possible, and quietly place in a clean coop or run 

 bedded down with clean straw. Often a struggle at this time 

 proves fatal. Do not allow them in coops or enclosures where 

 they can jump upon boxes, perches, or fly, as they must be 

 kept down on the floor for a few days. 



Supply the birds with clean, fresh water, and give them 

 ground feed mixed with milk as soon as they are placed in their 

 runs. They do not apparently suffer any inconvenience 



