80 
The Australasian Book of Poultry. 
with a little soft bread and milk for three or four days after the operation, but should have plenty of water 
allowed. For two nights and one day before the operation no food or water should be given to the birds. 
This will greatly facilitate the work, and reduce the risk of losses. The operation after a few successive 
trials may be performed in a minute or two, and by the use of the rings and tapes one person can easily 
perform the operation. Capons may be made to earn their food by fostering young chicks, which they will 
do admirably. To bring them to their full and most profitable size they should be kept until their second 
year. By giving them cornmeal steeped in warm milk, and providing comfortable and clean quarters, they 
will continue growing all through the winter, and the flesh will become very white, sweet, and juicy. A 
good capon will weigh from 12 to 15 lbs. at 22 months old. Fig. 51 shows appliances used for caponising 
