Just a warning...there are those who consider this operation as barbaric but then, there are those who think eating eggs or any sort of meat is equally inhumane so keep that in mind. I have caponized cockerels for years and there is some risk to the bird but if you find someone with long experience, the odds in favor of complete success is very good..
There is a thread here on BYC that may shock you but it might also help you keep the cockerel. Good luck with whatever decision you make.
As an example, my daughter is an adult and free to do as she pleases, I would argue with her right up to the pointing of mounting a horse with her, if she decided to try to ride any horse that hasn't been GELDED. Stallions and mares can be difficult for even very experienced riders. I only tell you this to equate the gelding process is much the same process and equally safe if done by a qualified person.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/...y-day-learning-to-caponize/2210#post_15375849
True but handing him off to someone who might be interested in lopping off his head (which is fine if they' re honest about it) wouldn't improve his lot in [COLOR=B22222]life[/COLOR] and he might not have the chance to ever be a truly beloved pet.
. I've not so much got a problem with the procedure as the fact it's far too often done by folks "having a bit of a try" with zero anaesthetic or pain relief. 
