Rooster Crow Surgery?

[dear_mo]

Hi, I am a new chickeneer, and when our straight run flock got old enough I've found at least 3 roosters in the bunch. I love all my little chickies, but due to noise, we are not allowed to have roosters. We tried a no crow collar, which seemed to work well, but now not so much. I have read in multiple places that there is a surgery that might be doable so that they can't crow anymore.

I realize that should not be the first option, but I don't want to split up my little flock, I don't want them to be unloved or eaten. There are so many unwanted roosters I've seen and I can't even imagine what becomes of them (I've also read/heard horror stories). :/ I'd like to keep them all.

I'm in PA in between Lancaster and Philly. If you know of any vets who do this surgery, please shoot me a message.

 

[The Happster]

The hardest thing to deal with in chicken-keeping.

I believe what you are talking of is caponization. It's not a very nice procedure for the cockerels, actually quite risky. It would also be difficult to find someone who is willing to do the op. It's completely not like neutering a cat or a dog, because their anatomy is significantly different.

I hope you can get a nice home sorted out.

 

[Weeg]

That sounds pretty cruel, but I do get your point, on rehoming him. I bet it would be the same amount of money, to get he surgery, as it would be just to build him an enclosure, made out of sound proof glass. The enclosure would eb much less risky, and probably the same cost.
PS. I have never heard of making and enclosure like this or making it myself, so I don't know if it works or not, just though of it on the spot! LOL! I hope everything works out for you!

 

[Folly's place]

Welcome!
Most medical experts recommend against having this done. It's possible that the bird may not survive the surgery, it won't mean silence forever, and rooster behaviors will continue.
How many pullets do you have? And having no experience raising cockerels, you may not realize that things aren't going well, until it gets very difficult, for you, and your pullets.
Neutering cockerels, as mentioned above, takes an expert, and traditionally has been done with birds six to eight weeks of age, not older, and it's abdominal surgery without any anesthesia, traditionally.
You might find an avian veterinarian interested in your project, or not.
Check with your state vet association, call your local veterinarian for a referral, and good luck.
Most cockerels are meant to be dinner for someone, which is not a bad thing, really. Your birds will have better lives, even if short, than any bird in plastic at the grocery store!
Mary

 

[Weeg]

Wouldn't do the surgery, and I have to agree with Mary, even if his wife is short, it will likely be better lived then with the surgery, if he even survives it that is. I would advise agains the surgery. I am sorry, but I would reach out to local farms, friends, or even petting zoo's if he is nice, and see if they would take him, he would be happier that way. Avery

 

[The Happster]

even if his wife is short

I'm sure the cockerels don't notice whether their wives are short or tall.

 

[dear_mo]

OneHappyRooster, I'm not sure it's the same thing, but at the same time I don't think it was ever 'named'. Just from the brief research, I did on caponization, I feel like it might have been a different surgery...but it could have just been me misunderstanding things. Sounds grizzly.

Hi Weeg, that is an interesting idea, but they'd have to live in there all day since they crow pretty often, and that seems crueler to me in the long run. Why do roosters get the short end of the stick? It makes me want to move into an area where the county embraces them. :/

 

[Weeg]

I

I'm sure the cockerels don't notice whether their wives are short or tall.

Agreed!

 

[Weeg]

OneHappyRooster, I'm not sure it's the same thing, but at the same time I don't think it was ever 'named'. Just from the brief research, I did on caponization, I feel like it might have been a different surgery...but it could have just been me misunderstanding things. Sounds grizzly.

Hi Weeg, that is an interesting idea, but they'd have to live in there all day since they crow pretty often, and that seems crueler to me in the long run. Why do roosters get the short end of the stick? It makes me want to move into an area where the county embraces them. :/

I know! Its not fair! For his well being I would not do th surgery! It could kill him and cause him pain and discomfort, and I think that he would be much happier if you tried to find him a better home, and honestly, I think that he would be happier in a sound proof house, then decrowed, jus try opinion. Maybe this video will interest you. Good luck!

 

[Folly's place]

Unless you have a separate 'bachelor pad' coop and run for your roosters, very few can live with a normal flock. They aren't really meant to get along in equal numbers with the hens!!!
Here we always have several roosters, including cockerels, and many more hens and pullets, and everyone has to get along. If we tried to keep every male hatched, they would be killing each other, fighting, and totally overbreeding and stressing out the hens and pullets. If they all free ranged 24/7, predators would take many birds of both sexes out, not how we want to manage our flock either.
In other words, living in the country doesn't mean that every cockerel lives a long life...
Mary