What is the Name for a Neutered Male Chicken?

Chickens are a common domesticated fowl that are raised for their meat and eggs. However, did you know that neutering a male chicken not only changes its behavior but also gives it a specific name? In this article, I’ll explain exactly what is the name for a neutered male chicken and why this practice is done.

Why Are Male Chickens Neutered?

On most small farms and homesteads, it’s common to have a mixed flock of male and female chickens. However, leaving roosters intact can lead to a few issues:

• Aggression and fighting – Roosters establish a pecking order and can attack or kill each other when competing for hens. This threatens the safety of your flock.

• Fertilized eggs – Roosters will mate with hens, meaning their eggs will be fertilized and can develop into embryos. Most people prefer to eat unfertilized eggs.

• Noise – Roosters crow very loudly starting before dawn. This can disturb neighbors in urban areas.

Neutering roosters through a process called caponization eliminates these problems It reduces aggression, prevents fertilization, and stops crowing This lets you keep just one or two roosters with your hens safely.

What is Caponization?

Caponization is the process of neutering a male chicken. Here’s how it works:

• It’s done when chicks are 2-8 weeks old before their sex organs have fully developed.

• The bird is anesthetized so no pain is felt during the procedure.

• A small incision is made in the abdomen. The testes are located and fully removed.

• The incision is closed with dissolvable sutures or surgical glue.

• The comb and wattle may also be removed to reduce aggression. This is done with cauterization.

• The bird recovers within 2 weeks and its behavior changes as hormones decrease.

When done properly by a trained professional, caponization is not harmful to the chicken’s health. The bird can live a long and full life after neutering.

What is a Capon?

A capon is the name for a neutered male chicken. Specifically, it refers to a cockerel (young rooster) that has been castrated.

The origins of the word “capon” come from the Latin “capo”, meaning “cut”. This references how their sex organs have been surgically removed.

Differences Between Capons and Roosters

Castrating roosters creates some clear behavioral and physical differences. Here are the main ways capons differ from intact roosters:

• Decreased aggression – With reduced testosterone, capons are much less aggressive and territorial. They can be safely kept together.

• No crowing – Capons can only make a soft clucking sound rather than a loud rooster’s crow.

• Increased fat – Low testosterone causes capons to gain more fat. Their meat is more tender and flavorful.

• Larger size – Capons grow much bigger than roosters, with more breast muscle and fat.

• Calmer temperament – The docile nature of capons makes them easier to handle.

• No mating – Capons show no interest in hens and cannot fertilize eggs.

How Capons Differ From Hens

You might be wondering – if a capon acts nothing like a rooster after neutering, does it become more hen-like?

While capons do exhibit some female characteristics, there are still a few differences between them and hens:

• Appearance – Capons still have the larger combs, wattles and tail feathers of a rooster. Hens have much smaller combs and no pointed tail feathers.

• Feather color – Capons have the bright, bold feather coloring of roosters. Hens have muted, camouflaging plumage.

• Behavior – Hens exhibit mothering behaviors like nesting, brooding and clucking to chicks. Capons don’t have any maternal instincts.

• Eggs – Of course, hens lay eggs while capons cannot.

• Size – Capons are much larger than hens in terms of height, muscle and weight.

So in essence, capons display a mix of traits – some rooster-like physical attributes blended with more hen-like placid behavior.

Common Breeds Used for Capons

While all breeds of chickens can be caponized, some of the most popular choices include:

• Cornish Cross – This commercial meat chicken hybrid grows very rapidly and produces large capons.

• Plymouth Rock – Their large size, combined with docile temperaments, make Rocks excellent capon breeds.

• Jersey Giant – Giant is an apt name for these very large capons that can weigh up to 10 pounds.

• Orpington – Their reputation as a dual meat/egg breed carries over when Orpingtons are caponized.

• Sussex – Another chicken valued for both eggs and meat that adapts well to caponization.

In general, large heritage breeds with a meat focus tend to be favored for capon-raising. The increased size after neutering amplifies their already substantial frames.

Is Capon More Expensive Than Chicken?

Due to the specialized raising process, capon is more expensive than regular chicken. Prices depend on the market but generally capons cost:

• $4-$6 per pound for whole capons.

• $12-$15 per pound for capon breast meat.

• Roughly 2-3 times the cost of regular chicken.

The higher prices reflect the extra inputs of neutering, the slower growth rate, and the lower meat yield. However, chefs and gourmands consider the rich taste worth the premium price.

How Should You Cook Capon?

Capon offers tender, juicy and flavorful meat. Some recommendations for cooking include:

• Roasting – Roast whole capons for holiday meals or special events. Baste frequently while roasting.

• Pan-frying – Quickly fry capon pieces in a pan with oil or butter. Great for breast meat.

• Braising – Slow cook capon pieces in a flavorful liquid like wine or broth.

• Grilling – Grill skinless, boneless cuts like kabobs over high heat.

• Stewing – Add capon to stews, soups and pot pies for bonus flavor.

The succulent fat and juices means capon excels when cooked gently using moist heat. Covering and cooking low-and-slow results in the most tender meat.

Time to Try Capon!