de-crowing a Roo

[Wynette]

Quote:
I have a very good friend who is a longtime breeder; she caponizes all her cock birds that she will not use for breeding, and it is correct that they do not crow once caponized.

 

[chickbea]

I brought this up with my vet when I had a roo I just adored, but who sang exuberantly night and day.
My vet sees pet birds and also works on wildfowl that are injured. She didn't want to perform the surgery, and I can't remember exactly why. It either had to do with a poor survival rate, or it had to do with not being able to do it under a local, and she didn't want to use a general. I'm sorry I can't remember the exact reason.

As far as looking for resources goes, I would go to a veterinary university that has a good avian focus and see what is in their library.

Side note - I'm not sure what the laws in your state are, but this may be an illegal operation to perform on your own. Generally operations that are done by owners have to be "accepted animal husbandry practices", like tail docking of sheep, castrating piglets, etc. I don't know if de-crowing would fall into that category or not...

 

[LilyD]

I live in Vermont and the only vet that will do birds of any type is the one in Shelburne


Shelburne Veterinary Hospital

(802) 985-2525

3053 Shelburne Rd, Shelburne, VT 05482

I think the Dr's name is Dr Metz but I don't use him since he's so far away from where I live. I hope this helps. He might at least be able to tell you how it could be done or if it could.

 

[chickbea]

I brought one of my girls to Dr. Metz once years ago! What a great man!
We had a long chat about how chickens are becoming more popular as pets, and he felt that veterinary schools need to start doing a better job of teaching future vets to treat chickens as individual pets, rather than ignoring individual birds' needs in preference for flock health, which is the accepted method for large egg operations. I agreed with him wholeheartedly!
Are you sure Dr. Metz does decrowing? It's strange my vet didn't refer me to him when I wanted Edward done...she generally consults with him whenever she has a question about chickens.

 

[LilyD]

I don't know if he does decrowing specifically but he is the only vet within a 2 hour drive that does birds at all . No other vets within driving distance will do birds of any kind.

 

[Hunter0704]

You need to rehome your rooster! What did you think a rooster was going to do...not crow? I don't care if the people in the south do a procedure or not to quiet a rooster of his GOD given right...Send your rooster where someone can actually appreciate him!!!!

 

[dixiebeast]

I don't know how to find the thread but there was a guy on here saying he could train roos not to crow....I found it funny because he said they only crow out of fear or dominance...mine crow because they are spoiled brats and my DH says they start when I pull in the driveway...saying look at meeeeee mommy...meee first!LOL I love all 7 of my boys but the thread may be helpfull to you.I know not everyone has the pleasure of being able to afford and commute to live where roos are always ok...I have a 30 min drive oneway to the nearest grocery store for that privilage.

 

[TrystInn]

It sounds like perhaps the OP requires the breeding services of a rooster but either cannot tolerate or cannot house a rooster given where she lives.

If that is the case, I think your best solution is to find someone who can house a rooster in their yard, keep him in a tractor or similar, then bring the ladies over for a visit when you want their eggs fertilized. I've seen these foster-type situations work well for both parties.

 

[Pele]

The longer I am on these boards, the more posts I see about people who are having problems with the loud nature of roosters. I wonder if it isn't a legitimate persuit to develop a line of birds that is a quiet breed overall. "de-crowing" through breeding.

If you can breed for simply cosmetic things such as poofy heads, fluffy feet, and gigantic tails, I don't see why you can't justify a utilitarian program for quiet birds.

Something to consider in my future breeding plans, for sure. I probably could make a fortune in the pet chicken community

As far as surgical proceedures, I generally avoid them as birds do not do well with going under, and mortality rate is high.

 

[Mattemma]

I noticed the later I let my roo out of the coop the less(if at all) he crowed. Also,if he can't see all his ladies he would start to crow.