The younger birds have a very very high survival rate. Most people lose the first one or two they attempt, but once they figure it out very rarely loose any more. It gets complicated when you attempt the older more mature birds, they are hard to do. I would never suggest a novice attempt a mature (or nearly mature) bird. I would be equally cautious w/ a vet who doesn't have experience w/ birds attempting a nearly mature bird. It is a skill I think is invaluable in some circumstances, and an AWESOME way to have multiple roos for whatever reason you would like w/o having to worry about noise, hen wear, fighting or human aggression. (at least as long as you don't want their breeding ability). If the boy are done young you can choose if they are to be pets or dinner. If you wait until they are older and have an emotional attatchment there is greater risk.