CAPONS AND CAPON 1ZING. 
13 
Fig. 8.—Removing the testicle. 
space to a fowl. Free range for capons is very desirable, as it pro¬ 
motes their continuous, rapid, and economical growth. 
During the last month or month and a half before marketing, the 
corn in the ration should be gradually increased until the fowls are 
on a full fattening ration. For the last two or three weeks it is 
desirable to shut them up and feed them in crates, for every possible 
ounce at this stage adds to the appearance and profit. 
KILLING AND DRESSING CAPONS FOR MARKET. 
KILLING. 
The capons selected for killing should be confined for 24 hours 
without feed or water to completely empty their crops. The usual 
method of killing is known as the sticking method. The fowl is 
hung up by the feet, the head held in the left hand, and the whole 
body stretched to full length. The mouth is forced open, and by 
means of a sharp, narrow-bladed knife held in the right hand the 
blood vessels at the back of the throat are severed with a single 
sweep. The knife is then turned and the point plunged through the 
roof of the mouth to a point just behind and between the eyes. The 
brain is here reached, and if properly stuck all feeling is then lost. 
Convulsions ensue, the muscles are relaxed, and the feathers come out 
easily. 
PICKING. 
Capons should always be dry picked, as they look much better and 
as some of the feathers should lie left on. The feathers of the neck 
