Where can I find a vet that can decrow a rooster?

[zayshell]

I live in Western Washington and am looking for a good vet that can decrow a rooster.
Can anyone help me with suggestions on what my options are?

 

[SampyArctica]

Good luck. As far as I am aware (from what I've seen others on this forum post about having a rooster de-crowed), there is almost no chance of finding a vet that is willing to take the risk of performing the procedure as it is extremely risky and the roos often die. There is one thread I've often randomly browsed through of a vet who can do it, he quoted about $200 I think.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/705084/decrowing-roosters

If it is a sound that annoys you, maybe try to re-home him but if it's your neighbours you're worried about - you should definitely talk to them first. You may find out that some may actually be alright with a crowing roo (some have commented that they are in this sort of arrangement), or you can let your roo sleep inside at night and let him out mid-morning to avoid the very early morning crows (which is what some others have done, and including what I previously did when our roo was alive). In general though, I think it may be hard to find a "good" vet that will de-crow a rooster.

 

[zayshell]

The neighbors behind me home school and they find his crowing to be too distracting to allow them to feel comfortable having classes out in their back yard. As far as I'm concerned, the teacher is overly sensitive to sound. Trying to be a courteous neighbor, I asked them if there were any issues and it was at that time I found out they were less than happy. However, they are taking a wait and see attitude. So in my opinion they have taken a very passive/aggressive way of dealing with the situation, so I'm a bit irritated about this being an issue.

I roost him in the garage during the hours that a local sound ordinance dictates that there should be no heavy equipment sounds, so his crowing during the night is not an issue. It's just him being him during the day which is the problem.

I would like to see if there is anyway to keep this guy, so I'm exploring my options. I did see the above post on the decrowing surgery, but I was hoping to find a vet more local first.

 

[howfunkyisurchicken]

I've seen a few posts about crow collars, which I assume is some sort of contraption that fits around their necks and keeps them from being comfortable enough to stretch out and let one fly. I've never read them, so I'm not positive, but it might be worth a search (and certainly seems much less invasive than surgery).

Are you legally allowed to have the rooster where you live? If so, then why worry about it? I mean, I can understand being a courteous neighbor and all, but I'm sure they could hold their classes inside or another part of their yard if its that much of a problem. It sounds to me like you're already going out of your way to keep him quiet. Not too mention, it could be an excellent opportunity for the neighbors students to learn about livestock, where eggs come from, things like that. Maybe you could invite them over to meet your rooster and let them take a tour of your coop (field trip, anyone?) and learn about chickens in general?

Anyway, good luck to you, I hope you find a solution that makes everyone happy!

 

[Cassies1972]

My opinion: If it's one rooster they can get over it. We're not talking about blowing cigarette smoke in their face, or even less offensive taking the rooster into their yard when they are "schooling." I'm sure your rooster isn't hideous to look at (or terrifying) either otherwise you'd probably not have him. I'm not trying to sound mean but it sounds like they are being to sensitive.
It's probably because they can't sleep in in the morning. Anyway that's just whati think. I would Not "decrow" any of my Roosters.