Capons

[Palerydr]

New here and don't know if this has been answered yet but I'm wondering if there is a place where you can purchase very young capons that I can raise for this fall at butchering time. When my sons were young and into 4H poultry, they always had a project every year. My youngest came up with the bright idea that he wanted to get one of those caponizing kits and do the job on some young cockerels for his project. More than a little skeptical I sent for the kit and ordered 10 BR cockerels with our spring order.We read up on the subject at length and when the young birds came the age best to do it.. we gotter done. Didn't lose any of them and found out it's really do big deal to do. Anyways, you know he took the blue ribbon on his project and we ended up with 10 of THE best eating birds I've ever tasted.I really would like to raise more but would rather buy them already caponized. Any info would be appreciated. Thanks !

 

[Ruthster55]

To buy already-caponized birds, you basically need to live within easy driving distance of someone who can caponize and then sell you the caponized birds.

What state are you located in? Maybe someone on this board could help if they're close by.

Shipping cross-country won't work. It's not practical or worthwhile to drive a really long distance for a small number of capons.

Young capons, unlike day-old chicks, cannot be shipped in the mail. Day-old chicks can be shipped in the mail because they have the yolk reserve to nourish them on their journey, but older birds do not.

If you were able to do the birds yourself for the 4-H project, and are further than a short drive from someone who can do them, you will probably want to order some cockerels and do them yourself. Most economical way to do this is to look for deals like a "Frypan Special" from a hatchery.

 

[Palerydr]

Yep.. after a search on the web I've found there isn't anywhere that ships them. I prob shoulda knew that. I live in n.w. PA in case there's anyone close they can let me know. If I don't find anyone near, i'll prob pick up another kit ( no idea where the old one went to) and do it myself.There's nothing that can match a capon for table fare.. imo.. thanks for the comeback

 

[kaumlauf]

We are planning on buying some chicks to caponize. I have never done it, but I'm sure I can do it, just by watching the Utube videos, etc. Glad to hear you thought it was no big deal. We live in Cambridge Springs, PA. What breeds are best? We are staying away from Buffingtons.

 

[Ruthster55]

Northwest Pennsylvania. Sounds like you might be in luck. I think Myers Poultry (hatchery in South Fork, PA) might sell started capons if you can go there and pick them up.

http://www.myerspoultry.com

However, you might not get your choice of breed, especially if you want to raise traditional or heritage breeds.

There is a big thread on here of people who are learning and refining their technique.

 

[Ruthster55]

Any large dual purpose bird that does well in your climate.

My guess would be Barred Plymouth Rocks, Jersey Giants, Delawares and maybe a few others.

We are planning on buying some chicks to caponize.  I have never done it, but I'm sure I can do it, just by watching the Utube videos, etc. Glad to hear you thought it was no big deal. We live in Cambridge Springs, PA. What breeds are best? We are staying away from Buffingtons.

 

[Palerydr]

We are planning on buying some chicks to caponize. I have never done it, but I'm sure I can do it, just by watching the Utube videos, etc. Glad to hear you thought it was no big deal. We live in Cambridge Springs, PA. What breeds are best? We are staying away from Buffingtons.

Yeah..i live right down the road near Woodcock Lake. We did the Barred Rocks, but as Ruthster said, any of the large meat breeds will do. btw.. thanks for the link Ruth !

 

[BCMaraniac]

Any large dual purpose bird that does well in your climate.

My guess would be Barred Plymouth Rocks, Jersey Giants, Delawares and maybe a few others.

The only thing to keep in mind about Jersey Giants or White Giants is that they are slower to grow out. they get their bone growth the first year and fill out in the second year. I would imagine they would be great if you want a really big capon. Probably not the most cost effeicient capon if cost is a factor in your choice.

Marans are also supposed to be good capons and have excellent flavor.

 

[BCMaraniac]

I bought white giants, orpingtons, and rocks earlier this year to caponize from McMurray. I still have 8 of them, and the Giants are larger, but haven't filled out well yet. The Orpingtons are second, and the Rocks are third. All are May 10 hatches. I won't know till I butcher exactly how they compare weight wise processed. I will probably just butcher the Orpingtons and Rocks to start with, and leave the Giants a while to grow out.

 

[Palerydr]

Northwest Pennsylvania. Sounds like you might be in luck. I think Myers Poultry (hatchery in South Fork, PA) might sell started capons if you can go there and pick them up.

http://www.myerspoultry.com

However, you might not get your choice of breed, especially if you want to raise traditional or heritage breeds.

There is a big thread on here of people who are learning and refining their technique.

Thanks... I map quested it and am about 3 hrs. away from them. Emailed them with a couple questions. Dunno.. will cost me the better part of a hundred dollar bill in fuel plus the cost of my birds. Gonna wait till I hear from them to make a decision.