err... caponizing a pullett... (?)

[azahn]

Okay..... so we have 50 straight run bantam chicks(delawares, new hampshires, wyandotttes). Bantam chicks could not be ordered pullets only. Knew from the get-go we'd be putting roo's in the freezer. Have since heard about capons - roos minus the testosterone and improved meat quality. Learned this could be done humanely via implant. Husband asked the question: what if we accidentally implant a hen-to-be? Our chicks are 2 weeks old, and we have no idea who's a roo or a girl!

 

[howfunkyisurchicken]

I've never heard of an implant to caponize a chicken, do you have any info on it? There are some videos floating around BYC on how to do it. You would make a small incision and remove the testicles through it. Its supposed to be done when the cockerels are small. Is the implant supposed to stop the chicks from producing testosterone? And is there a certain age you're supposed to have it in by? If there isn't, couldn't you wait to put them in after you're a little more sure who's a boy and who's a girl?