Capon and Hens

[rlc5925]

I have not had a rooster due to my wife's dislike of fertilized eggs. I would like to have a rooster so my question is would a capon work with my hens and be just like having a rooster around. Thanks

 

[JohnBerry]

A capon would definitely not fertilize the eggs. Some, maybe many, lose the ability to crow. They also become docile so any advantage protecting the flock from predators goes away also. Finally, the process of caponizing is surgery. Some roos do not make it. Survival depends on the skill of the caponizer. There is a thread here with photos, 2 actually. The second one is someone who has done thousands, I am told, and is also on you tube. The first is a new person just learning and telling her story. I found it very interesting. Any other questions you have will probably be answered in this post (the first one). Good luck!

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/675898/graphic-pics-of-my-day-learning-to-caponize
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/693055/6-seconds-capon

 

[donrae]

What is it you'd be looking for in a rooster that you'd want to get from the capon?

edited--I'm not really one for being sneaky with the spouse, but you could start with a young rooster and tell her when she can tell the eggs are fertile you'll get rid of him. Just tell her he's unable to complete the deed or is shooting blanks. It takes quite the practiced eye to tell a fertilized egg from a non fertilized egg. I know for folks it's an ick factor, but honestly she's probably eaten fertile eggs and never known it.