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Neutering Roosters

post #1 of 62
5/20/08 at 8:13pm
Thread Starter 

Not sure if this is the right place to post this or not.  I'm considering neutering my two young roosters.  A local vet has done many and only charges $30-40 per bird.  I've heard it will prevent aggressive behavior and crowing.  Mine are only 5 weeks old and she will do them starting at 6 weeks of age.  Has anyone neutered their roosters?

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post #2 of 62
5/20/08 at 9:13pm

a neutered roo is called a capon, that is a lot of money for a chicken that won't give you eggs. is there a reason you want to keep them? i'm assuming you are in the city, there is a good chance you still won't be able to keep them as they are males and if a city says no roos, that still applies, especially if you have a grouchy neighbor.

it used to be common practice for commercial broiler growing when it took so long to get chickens to a decent weight, they'd caponize them so they could be older  but not stringy tough meat.

My dreams is to never have to go to the grocery store again but to raise, grow, and make my own food. Well, maybe for bananas.

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My dreams is to never have to go to the grocery store again but to raise, grow, and make my own food. Well, maybe for bananas.

Follow our chickens on facebook: http://www.facebook.com/lilsisfarm.
Or read our blog at www.mylittlesistersfarm.blogspot.com
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post #3 of 62
5/20/08 at 11:20pm

Is that the price for both birds  or per bird?

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here is where I store my links and information:
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post #4 of 62
5/20/08 at 11:30pm

Furthermore... it may not stop crowing and they won't develop very "rooster" like bodies. And if a hen takes top position, it is not unheard of for them to start crowing. Many here consider the practice outdated as it involves cutting into the back of the bird and pulling out their male parts though the ribs.

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Need egg candling reference pics? Click HERE!
2011 Coop build! Click Here!

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post #5 of 62
5/21/08 at 5:34am
Thread Starter 

I want to do this to save their lifes and be a responsible pet owner.  I got 3 chicks as a rescue situation and two look like they are going to be males.  I feel it is my ethical obligation to keep these animals and not give them away.  There are too many unwanted chickens in my community as it is.  I volunteer for a local chicken rescue group and absoultely don't agree with killing an animal because it doesn't suit my needs.  As far as the procedure goes, my vet does not cut into the back of the bird and pull out the testicles.  She is using an up to date technique and it has been very successful.  I guess I don't understand the negative comments.  I'm trying to be a responsible pet owner and have to the funds to do it.  It's only $30-40 per bird.  My dog and cat's vet visit are much higher than that and ALL pets in my family are equal.

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post #6 of 62
5/21/08 at 5:48am

Chickens aren't like dogs and cats in that if they mate you don't just "get" babies.  You get eggs, which you can eat.

Andrea
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Andrea
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post #7 of 62
5/21/08 at 5:56am

No.

Would never consider it.

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My husband (hero to me and my 2 DD), 2 dogs, 3 cats, 2 pot bellies, 2 Jersey Giants, 5 call ducks, 3 Seramas, and an assortment of chicks in the brooder, all on ten acres.
******Message to self, please proof-read before hitting the enter key******
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I'm because I use the search function

My husband (hero to me and my 2 DD), 2 dogs, 3 cats, 2 pot bellies, 2 Jersey Giants, 5 call ducks, 3 Seramas, and an assortment of chicks in the brooder, all on ten acres.
******Message to self, please proof-read before hitting the enter key******
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post #8 of 62
5/21/08 at 8:01am
Thread Starter 

I'm not neutering to prevent reproduction.  I'm neutering to reduce unwanted aggressive behavior and so that I can keep the two roosters together with less fighting.  Otherwise the roosters don't have many options other than death which is not an ethical option for me.

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post #9 of 62
5/21/08 at 8:19am

I say go for it.  The vet is probably chemically caponizing them.


Edited by horsejody - 5/21/08 at 8:23am
In every fat person there may be a skinny one screaming to get out, but in every skinny person there is a fat one screaming to be fed!
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In every fat person there may be a skinny one screaming to get out, but in every skinny person there is a fat one screaming to be fed!
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post #10 of 62
5/21/08 at 8:24am

If your vet feels he can do it with minimal risk, and you can afford it (btw, would you mind finding out more about his technique, I'd like to learn more about this?)...

...and it's a choice between three other alternatives that you're not willing (or at least happy) to go for -- the stew pot, or solitary confinement, or the reasonable likelihood of them fighting among each other and overmating your hens...

...then I can't see any reason not to go for the neutering. As long as you understand it is not a guarantee of preventing crowing or fighting.

Good luck,

Pat

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and Big Ol' Mud Page (fixing muddy runs): http://www.backyardchickens.com/web/viewblog.php?id=1642-fix-a-muddy-run
and Cold Coop (winter design) page: http://www.backyardchickens.com/web/viewblog.php?id=1642-winter-coop-temperatures
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my Big Ol' Ventilation Page is at http://www.backyardchickens.com/web/viewblog.php?id=1642-VENTILATION
and Big Ol' Mud Page (fixing muddy runs): http://www.backyardchickens.com/web/viewblog.php?id=1642-fix-a-muddy-run
and Cold Coop (winter design) page: http://www.backyardchickens.com/web/viewblog.php?id=1642-winter-coop-temperatures
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