GRAPHIC PICS of my day learning to caponize

[BCMaraniac]

On one of the Spanish sites, I saw a music stand used. The specific sort seems to be a rather new model of tripod music stand (I never saw this kind until recently) that has a lot of holes that allow attachment of the bird in whatever location desired. I think the other reason they were using a music stand is that it is adjustable to get light on the subject.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0037GRGGU/?tag=backy-20

Referring to some posts above, I freaked out the first time I saw it done.

One question - how many hours to withhold feed and how many hours to withhold feed have you folks found to be optimal?

That is what I did.....repurposed a camera tripod, then attached a platform. with multiple mug hooks on the back that I could use to adjust the tension. It works great!

As far as withholding feed and water, I take it away the night before, but some go longer, especially if the birds are older, and the weather isn't really hot.

 

[Jucknath]

I have used a weitlaner retractor as well. My only complaint with mine is the profile of the "blades" if you will is less than I would have liked so getting them between the ribs causes discomfort to the bird that I would like to avoid, especially in the smaller birds.

The flat profile of the Chinese set will allow for caponizing younger birds. I had a rather lengthy discussion with one of the Chinese caponizers, and they actually make their incision just below the bottom rib rather than between the lower two to avoid a cracked rib in the 3 week old birds. Of course they are able to get both testicles from one side as well.

I have thought about trying the incision below the bottom rib. I think that I would do an internal stitching at least the first few times. Always learning.

 

[Jucknath]

On one of the Spanish sites, I saw a music stand used. The specific sort seems to be a rather new model of tripod music stand (I never saw this kind until recently) that has a lot of holes that allow attachment of the bird in whatever location desired. I think the other reason they were using a music stand is that it is adjustable to get light on the subject.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0037GRGGU/?tag=backy-20

Referring to some posts above, I freaked out the first time I saw it done.

One question - how many hours to withhold feed and how many hours to withhold feed have you folks found to be optimal?

I have been withholding food for 36 and water for 24 hours. I start when I put them up at night so I begin in the morning. On some 3 month birds, I tried 24 and 12 and the guts were not empty. I am still a beginner.

 

[Maggiesdad]

One question - how many hours to withhold feed and how many hours to withhold feed have you folks found to be optimal?

Food 24, water 12 works for me. Cage 'em on wire so that they can't pick bedding and poo. Longer than 24 and mine start picking feathers.

 

[BCMaraniac]

I have been withholding food for 36 and water for 24 hours. I start when I put them up at night so I begin in the morning. On some 3 month birds, I tried 24 and 12 and the guts were not empty. I am still a beginner.

I forgot to mention that I simply let mine have their crumbles the day before surgery, and withhold any grain for about 36-48 hours if they are getting it because it digests more slowly. For Saturday procedure, scratch Thursday am, crumbles till Friday afternoon, water till Friday evening. Procedures usually start around noon. I'm sure mine are probably not empty, but they don't seem to be in the way, so I guess it works.

Now the poulardizing needs a longer fast because you are going further down in the abdomen to look for the oviduct.

 

[BCMaraniac]

Food 24, water 12 works for me. Cage 'em on wire so that they can't pick bedding and poo. Longer than 24 and mine start picking feathers.

Hey, MD.....still got that BA capon?

 

[Maggiesdad]

Hey, MD.....still got that BA capon?

LOL - Yup! We've been eating a lot of pig since slaughter back in late Nov... got to get chicken back on the menu!

 

[BCMaraniac]

LOL - Yup! We've been eating a lot of pig since slaughter back in late Nov... got to get chicken back on the menu!

Mine is still kicking too, but I hadn't planned to butcher him for a while. I've got some hatchery capons and some fat laying poulard attempts that gotta go too.

 

[Maggiesdad]

I'll post up when the deed is done!

 

[Poco Pollo]

I got my package. I got my package. Love you, Coral.

Thanks for letting me know it arrived. U.S.P.S. is doing a great job!

We've got thirteen days until I place the next order. Send me a PM if you'd like to be part of the order or if you have questions.