4 
farmers’ BULLETIN 849. 
"hat greater size than is the case with a cockerel of the same age. 
For a time the cockerel and the capon make about equal development, 
but as soon as the reproductive organs of the cockerel begin to develop 
the capon begins to outstrip him in growth. Also when finishing 
off the capon fattens more readily and economically. As they do not 
interfere with or worry one another, a large flock of capons may be 
kept together. Coupled with the better growth is the fact that the 
capon brings a better price per pound. Cockerels from 2 to 5 months 
old usually bring from 15 to 25 cents a pound; if held longer than 
this they become “ staggy,” are classed as old cocks, and do not bring 
more than G to 15 cents a pound. Capon in season brings 20 to 35 
cents and often more a pound. There are two reasons, then, why 
it is better to caponize surplus cockerels than to raise them for 
market as such: (1) There is an increase in weight and (2) the price 
per pound is materially increased. Yet in many localities where 
especially fine poultry is raised, while capons usually sell for a some¬ 
what better price, the difference is not great. In fact, for the Boston 
market, many capons are picked clean and sold as “south shore 
roasters.” Hence it will be seen that the profit in capons must de¬ 
pend to a great extent upon local conditions. The demand for capons 
continues good, notwithstanding the fact that more and more are 
raised each year. 
SELECTION OF BREEDS. 
In selecting the breed best suited for caponizing several factors 
must be taken into consideration. Large capons bring the best prices. 
Consequently the breed should be large. It does not pay to caponize 
small fowls. Yellow legs and skin, as in other classes of poultry, are 
most popular. The Plymouth Rocks, Light Brahmas, Cochins, In¬ 
dian Games, Langshans. and Wyandottes are all recommended by 
different producers, as are also various crosses of these. The Orping¬ 
ton also makes fine capons, but the white legs and skin are somewhat 
of a disadvantage in this country. The Brahmas and Cochins possess 
good size. By some the Brahmas are claimed to be difficult to operate 
upon; by others this is denied. The Plymouth Rocks and Wyan¬ 
dottes are somewhat smaller, but sell readily and possess the ad¬ 
vantage of yellow skin and legs. The Langshan is large and is easily 
operated upon. The Indian Game is probably most useful as a cross 
upon some one of the other breeds, thereby improving the breast 
meat without materially reducing the size of the fowl. In Massa¬ 
chusetts the Brahma was formerly the most popular breed for this 
purpose localise of the demand for large birds for roasters. Later 
crosses between the Light Brahma and the Barred or White Ply¬ 
mouth Rock became quite popular, while at present the pure Barred 
and White Plymouth Rocks are perhaps most widely used. 
