Caponizing Question

[ash_en_em]

I was pretty sure early on that one of these things was not like the other. Now, at 6 weeks, I'm very sure I have a little roo on my hands. Comb/waddles are much bigger than the other two (and turning red rapidly), legs/ feet are much thicker, and he rounds up the other two to go in for the night. I watched him round them up last night and it was pretty funny to watch this little guy do a job.

However, with only having two hens, I'm concerned that he will unintentionally beat them up. We also don't really want to hatch chicks. Problem is, I've grown very fond of this guy. He comes right up to me ready for treats, and as long ashe can see the girls, he will hang out on my lap for petting and snuggles.

Anyone in the outer Columbus, Ohio area know where I can take him to be caponized? Should I do this? Or should I try to find him a new home? I love him dearly, and he is really starting to be a handsome boy. I'd just hate to get rid of him...

 

[EggSighted4Life]

Hi.

I would find another home for your lap boy... they often turn into demons who attack the friendly giant they don't fear or respect... once mating hormones kick in.... or go hands off RIGHT now, no more lap sitting. It was still too late for my boy the first time I got this advice.

Vets usually charge bank to caponize and I don't know what the age limit is. If funds AREN'T an issue for you... go for it. There are lot's of videos how to do it yourself, but I'm not that daring. You might look around for a vet school even.

To keep him from over mating his lady friends you could provide another pen for him to mature in for a while. It helps a lot when they get some age on them and when they don't have other boys also getting them more excited.

Roosters CAN be great. Sounds like he might be good rooster for hens when he actually matures... BUT if you have no previous rooster or chicken experience... you are well on your way to a *possible* nightmare. Of course ALL situations and individuals will be unique.

A small hen flock is a MUCH more peaceful... and in my experience happier flock than ones with ladies who are constantly harassed. If you do decide to keep him... you don't have to hatch chicks... simply don't let your hens broody sit on eggs. Some ladies will try even with a rooster never having been present. They don't know if eggs or fertile or not. And my overly broody hens get that way on AIR even though I collect eggs everyday! It's a hormonal response to having laid the clutch.

Best wishes whatever you try!

 

[ash_en_em]

Hi.

I would find another home for your lap boy... they often turn into demons who attack the friendly giant they don't fear or respect... once mating hormones kick in.... or go hands off RIGHT now, no more lap sitting. It was still too late for my boy the first time I got this advice.

Vets usually charge bank to caponize and I don't know what the age limit is. If funds AREN'T an issue for you... go for it. There are lot's of videos how to do it yourself, but I'm not that daring. You might look around for a vet school even.

To keep him from over mating his lady friends you could provide another pen for him to mature in for a while. It helps a lot when they get some age on them and when they don't have other boys also getting them more excited.

Roosters CAN be great. Sounds like he might be good rooster for hens when he actually matures... BUT if you have no previous rooster or chicken experience... you are well on your way to a *possible* nightmare. Of course ALL situations and individuals will be unique.

A small hen flock is a MUCH more peaceful... and in my experience happier flock than ones with ladies who are constantly harassed. If you do decide to keep him... you don't have to hatch chicks... simply don't let your hens broody sit on eggs. Some ladies will try even with a rooster never having been present. They don't know if eggs or fertile or not. And my overly broody hens get that way on AIR even though I collect eggs everyday! It's a hormonal response to having laid the clutch.

Best wishes whatever you try!

We are new to this. Sounds like I may have to find him a new home... it's sad, but I do know a family who has WAY more experience than I do.
Maybe next year, when we get more chicks, if we end up with another roo then we'll have had more time to research and prepare.

Thank you for your help

 

[aart]

He comes right up to me ready for treats, and as long as he can see the girls, he will hang out on my lap for petting and snuggles.

A sweet and cuddled cockerel can easily turn into a human aggressive horror. That 'friendliness' is tuning up for 'dominance'.
Best stop handling him now.

 

[Mrs. K]

I am so glad you have a plan. I agree with you, the first year, it is best to have only hens. Get some experience, then later on, add a rooster. Getting eggs, a hen with a chicks, even eventually raising birds for meat for the table. Lots of aspects to the hobby, all of them fun and challenging. Don't have to do all of them, should not do all of them the first year. Grow into the hobby.

Roosters take experience. They are not like puppies and kittens where as if you are nice to them, they are nice to you. Chicken society is about fear and respect.

If you have small children, I strongly recommend you let him go.

Mrs K

 

[Folly's place]

Neutering cockerels is tricky business; needs to be done young, by an experienced person. Traditionally it was done on the farm without any anesthesia or pain meds, and it's dangerous abdominal surgery. many died, and many die if it's done when done too old.
It's unlikely that you will find a veterinarian who's willing to do it, or who has any experience with this surgery.
If it's a cockerel, send him off to another home.
He sounds pushy to me, not a good sign.
Mary