Caponizing your rooster?

[SurferchickinSB]

Are you keeping chickens for eggs or are they ornamental? If you like the looks of roosters, and you aren't looking for eggs, there are many folks on this site with successful "bachelor pads". That's right, nothing but roosters. This sounds wild to me, but I'm in it for the eggs.
Based on @casportpony 's linked article, it doesn't really sound like castration is all that effective to begin with. But hey, it's your money and your chicken. Just don't be surprised if it doesn't yield the desired results.

I like them for pets and ornamental value and also for their eggs. I have always just thought the roosters were so much more beautiful!

 

[Wolfefarmyard]

Yes, but since I live in urban area, I have just wondered what I would do if one of my chicks ever happened to be a rooster? I get attached to my animals and don’t just get rid of them. I always like to care for them until the end. That is the one thing I feel uncomfortable about getting baby chicks. I even pay extra for the vent sexing, but that’s not 100% accurate all the time, luckily so far it has been.

I absolutely agree with you, we keep a lot of our roosters but every now and then we rehome a few. There are other people like us that love our birds dearly and want the best for them, and that’s exactly where my extra roosters go. I only rehome them if I know they’re going to a good home.

So if you do ever end up with a rooster accidentally, it is possible to find a loving home for him.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Nope, it’s not tight as to restrict air flow. It’s just snug enough to not allow the rooster to take that huge gulp of air to produce a loud crow.

However it is recommended to feed them crumbles rather than pellets if you have one on your rooster.

I have read of roosters strangled by no crow collars.

 

[Wolfefarmyard]

I have read of roosters strangled by no crow collars. To me that's cruel.

It is possible, but not at all if they are used properly. It all comes down to responsibility and making sure you’re using it the right way and keeping an eye out to make sure it’s not causing any harm. In theory a dog could easily get strangled by their collar as well if it’s put on too tight or not adjusted as they grow, but this rarely happens because they’re monitored by their owners, just like a rooster would need to be if using a no crow collar.

I’ve heard great things about them, but again I suppose that is possible if they are put on too tightly or not re-adjusted as needed.

 

[Conan]

I like them for pets and ornamental value and also for their eggs. I have always just thought the roosters were so much more beautiful!

They sure are pretty... then they turn into pretty big jerks that harass your hens! Roosters are a hot topic around this time of year, but keeping them (and you) happy and healthy requires more thought and care than many folks are ready to deal with. There is a ton of information on this site in regards to properly raising a rooster. I'd encourage looking into that if you end up with one in the future.
Best wishes for you and your flock!

 

[SurferchickinSB]

They sure are pretty... then they turn into pretty big jerks that harass your hens! Roosters are a hot topic around this time of year, but keeping them (and you) happy and healthy requires more thought and care than many folks are ready to deal with. There is a ton of information on this site in regards to properly raising a rooster. I'd encourage looking into that if you end up with one in the future.
Best wishes for you and your flock!

Yeah, I know they turn into big jerks, but the article said it changes their temperament and they become non-aggressive. We had one of those big jerks on our ranch when I was a kid nobody could step foot on the property without getting attacked including us, lol!

 

[Conan]

Yeah, I know they turn into big jerks, but the article said it changes their temperament and they become non-aggressive. We had one of those big jerks on our ranch when I was a kid nobody could step foot on the property without getting attacked including us, lol!

I'd like to read the first article you read on it. The one Casport posted concluded that the aggression abated initially, but returned, often times worse than before. Just curious about this whole thing as I didn't even know that people did this!

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

My roosters aren't jerks. When they are younger they can be a bit vigorous. Those that harass hens after maturity I don't keep. The good boys stay. I like my roosters and am always adding more when I have room for them.

 

[Wolfefarmyard]

Yeah, I know they turn into big jerks, but the article said it changes their temperament and they become non-aggressive. We had one of those big jerks on our ranch when I was a kid nobody could step foot on the property without getting attacked including us, lol!

So I’ve been thinking about this whole topic for a while.

It seems like you really want a rooster but obviously are worried about temperament ect. I think if this is something you really want, you should try a really docile breed. My first recommendation would be a silkie, but you stated how you really like the look of roosters with the long shiny hackles ect. So maybe try a bantam Cochin? I’ve had a few and they’ve all been really sweet and drop dead gorgeous!

If it doesn’t work out you could always find a new home for him where he’ll be loved!

In conclusion, I really don’t think you should try caponizing any rooster though. From what I’ve read, it seems like you really love your birds and want the best for them. So I think it would be in their best interest to not try it, like I said it’s very dangerous and can lead to further complications.

I wish you the best of luck though! Hopefully you’ll figure something out!

 

[Wolfefarmyard]

My roosters aren't jerks. When they are younger they can be a bit vigorous. Those that harass hens after maturity I don't keep. The good boys stay. I like my roosters and am always adding more when I have room for them.

It depends on the rooster, I have indeed had a couple jerks too.

You’re right about how many grow out of it though, sometimes it just takes a while for their testosterone to balance. However sometimes they don’t grow out if it and can be quite aggressive, it’s just a gamble I suppose. But I will say the MAJORITY tend to be sweet gentlemen!