I posted a long description of our experience with taking our rooster, Dred, to Dr James for the surgery (it's back at post #279 on page 28). We remain extremely happy that we spent the time and money to get it done, and believe me Dred is extremely happy to be back in the bosom of his family. He's a super sweet rooster, which is why we didn't want to give him up when the neighbor complained about the noise. And we love having a rooster as part of our chicken experience-- it's clear to us he serves an important function in keeping the flock together and it's lovely to be able to enjoy that.
Dred was already 2 years old when the surgery was done. So he isn't as quiet as a rooster will be who has it done when they are young. But it's enough to have changed the whole situation, and our neighbor has now talked with both of us about the fact that there's a "new" rooster here that is much much quieter, and he's not lodging a complaint with us about the noise.
As I said in my long report, Dred's relationship with his hens is the same as it was before the surgery. He is just as effective as a rooster. Please read my report if you want to know how I know that Dred was out of his mind with joy when he realized he was back at home with his girls. Before the surgery, he would bustle around and round up girls who were separated from the group. He still does that. So before, his calls weren't always enough, he'd have to actually physically herd them sometimes, and that's still true. So the idea that this surgery hurts Dred's ability to function as a roo is, I think, not supported by the evidence.
Thank you, Dr James, once again, for deciding that something needed to be done about this problem and researching the procedure, studying with the doc in Arizona, and bringing our attention to this possibility. I'm so grateful.
