GRAPHIC PICS of my day learning to caponize

[Dandelioness]

Thank you, Poco Pollo!

 

[dfr1973]

OK, just finished my first (already dead) attempt. Dry plucking around the incision site was easier than I expected, but finding the intercostal space between the right ribs was a little wonky due to number of immature feathers this almost 15 week old boy had. The testes were smaller than I anticipated, and so were a little more difficult to locate at first. I got one out just fine on the bird's right side, but when I turned the carcass over, I broke a rib with the spreader.

I think I will put the other boy back in with food and water and try again later in the week. My headlamp has not been delivered yet, and I need to handle the tools a bit more so they don't feel quite as awkward, and it is a bit more difficult without hubby being closeby to lend a hand or two.

The learning curve is indeed quite steep! I also need hubby to show me how to sharpen the blades so I don't need to push as hard to pierce the skin and wall. A little better preparation, and then it will be round two in a few days.

 

[Ksane]

OK, just finished my first (already dead) attempt. Dry plucking around the incision site was easier than I expected, but finding the intercostal space between the right ribs was a little wonky due to number of immature feathers this almost 15 week old boy had. The testes were smaller than I anticipated, and so were a little more difficult to locate at first. I got one out just fine on the bird's right side, but when I turned the carcass over, I broke a rib with the spreader.

I think I will put the other boy back in with food and water and try again later in the week. My headlamp has not been delivered yet, and I need to handle the tools a bit more so they don't feel quite as awkward, and it is a bit more difficult without hubby being closeby to lend a hand or two.

The learning curve is indeed quite steep! I also need hubby to show me how to sharpen the blades so I don't need to push as hard to pierce the skin and wall. A little better preparation, and then it will be round two in a few days.

I split more than a few ribs without causing a problem. You're (bravely) learning on your own without a teacher by your side. Don't despair. I bought packages of disposable scalpals. I didn't have any left or I'd have sent you some. You're very brave.

 

[dfr1973]

I split more than a few ribs without causing a problem. You're (bravely) learning on your own without a teacher by your side. Don't despair. I bought packages of disposable scalpals. I didn't have any left or I'd have sent you some. You're very brave.

Well, hubby is off to town to get a new pipe wrench to fix the leak in the pump house ... and I figured no amount of photos and videos could substitute for hands-on learning. There is only one way to get experience. Not despairing here - although the encouragement is certainly welcome! I am just trying to critically assess my first attempt, to see where improvements can be made. This cockerel had barely any meat on his bones! I suspect he was a Production Red, given his general attitude towards everything. He even bit me there at the end, just to get in one last nip. This isn't even the feather-plucker cockerel.

 

[Kassaundra]

OK, just finished my first (already dead) attempt. Dry plucking around the incision site was easier than I expected, but finding the intercostal space between the right ribs was a little wonky due to number of immature feathers this almost 15 week old boy had. The testes were smaller than I anticipated, and so were a little more difficult to locate at first. I got one out just fine on the bird's right side, but when I turned the carcass over, I broke a rib with the spreader.

I think I will put the other boy back in with food and water and try again later in the week. My headlamp has not been delivered yet, and I need to handle the tools a bit more so they don't feel quite as awkward, and it is a bit more difficult without hubby being closeby to lend a hand or two.

The learning curve is indeed quite steep! I also need hubby to show me how to sharpen the blades so I don't need to push as hard to pierce the skin and wall. A little better preparation, and then it will be round two in a few days.

At 15 weeks most roolets will still have pretty small testes, it is just around / after that they seem to get a big growth spurt w/ the testes. The biggest thing I think is location, location, location (well and good lighting) make that cut in the right spot and it is 1000 x's easier then "fishing"

It is a good start. Each bird, especially in the beginning is a learning opportunity for sure. You will be more prepared on the second attempt, all of us look at that first time or two and just shake our heads at ourselves.

 

[Poco Pollo]

Greetings!

I sent paypal invoices for shipping and handling to folks who ordered tools. Send me a PM if you don't see your invoice. I can put boxes in the mail Monday if your payment comes through today.

~ Poco

 

[nicu leu]

Excellent thread! Did anyone know where in Europe i can find a place where i can learn , from experts, how to caponize?
Contacted a farm in UK yesterday, but they told me that there caponizing is illegal now. I heard that there might be in France or Spain some farms where i can learn to caponize?
Thanks in advance for any advice.

 

[juanmmg54]

En España hay algún sitio, pocos, que te pueden enseñar. En donde estás tú?

 

[juanmmg54]

Que mala traducción! repito :

Existen unos pocos lugares, sitios, granjas, que te pueden enseñar, en España.


También tienes videos en Youtube,

 

[nicu leu]

En España hay algún sitio, pocos, que te pueden enseñar. En donde estás tú?

I am from Romania. The problem is that i understand a bit of spanish but i cannot speak.
I am very interested to learn from source, so if you can send me thru PM some contacts, i will
be very gratefully. I wnat to know how long can take the learning and how much will cost me.
Gracias!