Caponization is done either by surgical removal of the testes, or, as some factory poultry producers prefer, by estrogen implants. Capons that are labeled “all natural” have been surgically caponized. Because of the loss of sex hormones, the normally aggressive barnyard rooster becomes a docile, mellow creature. Capons can be housed together as they will not fight for dominance, which makes the process of raising them a lot easier on the farmer. They can be raised for many months, to a size of 6-12 pounds.
Cooking a capon is not that different than cooking a chicken. Capons can be roasted like any chicken, but due to size will take longer. As a general rule, a capon should be roasted for 17 minutes per pound, so a 10 lb. bird would require a total roasting time of just under 3 hours. The capon is done cooking when a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the capons thigh reads 165 degrees, or the juices run clear. Whether poached, as in poule au pot, or stuffed and roasted, capons offer rich taste and lots of meat to go around the table. Read our article for more details on roasting a capon.
A castrated male turkey is called a capon. This term applies to turkeys chickens and other fowl that have been surgically altered to remove their testicles and render them infertile. Castration changes a bird’s physiology and impacts its behavior and meat quality. Understanding what a capon is and why poultry may be castrated provides useful insight into animal husbandry and food production.
Why Castrate Poultry?
Farmers castrate male poultry for several reasons
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Meat quality – Capons grow larger and fattier than unaltered males. Their meat is more tender and flavorful due to increased intramuscular fat.
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Behavior – Castration reduces aggression and sexual behavior in male birds. This makes capons easier to manage in group housing.
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Market demand – Capons are considered a premium meat product and command a higher market price than regular chickens or turkeys.
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Infertility – Castrating males prevents unwanted breeding in flocks kept for egg production.
Methods of Castration
Surgical castration of poultry involves physically removing the testes. There are two main techniques:
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Surgical removal – An incision is made over each testicle which is then detached from the vas deferens. This is the most common method.
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Ligation – The vas deferens are tied off with suture or rubber bands, causing the testicles to atrophy. This is less invasive but may have higher failure rates.
Castration is usually performed on young males 2-4 weeks of age. Proper sterilization and post-operative care help prevent complications. Chemical castration via injected hormones is not approved for poultry in the United States.
Differences Between Capons and Uncastrated Males
Castration produces several physiological and behavioral changes in male turkeys and chickens:
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Size – Capons grow significantly larger. They can reach up to 1.5 times the weight of unaltered males.
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Appearance – Capons develop finer feathering and head furnishings. Their combs and wattles remain small and undeveloped.
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Behavior – Castrated birds are less aggressive and do not exhibit mating behaviors. They are calmer and less active.
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Meat quality – The meat of capons is more tender, succulent, and flavorful due to increased fat deposits.
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Infertility – Capons are completely infertile and unable to breed.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Caponization
There are several advantages and disadvantages to castrating male poultry:
Advantages
- Higher market value for premium capon meat
- Improved flavor and texture of meat
- Reduced aggression and sexual behavior
- Ability to fatten birds more efficiently
- Prevent unwanted mating in flocks
Disadvantages
- Additional labor for castration surgery
- Risk of complications and mortality
- Delayed time to slaughter weight
- Not allowed in organic or free-range systems
- Negative public perception of castration
Weighing these factors helps farmers decide if caponizing males is worthwhile for their production system.
Welfare Concerns with Caponization
As an elective surgical procedure, castrating poultry raises animal welfare questions. Critics cite these ethical concerns:
- Pain and stress of surgery if anesthesia is inadequate
- Risk of complications and deaths
- Altering birds’ natural growth and behavior
- Unnecessary when alternatives like separate sex flocks exist
- Perceived as mutilation when done for meat quality only
To address these issues, proper training in anesthesia and aseptic technique is critical. Each farm must consider if the benefits of caponization outweigh the potential drawbacks.
Caponization shapes the physiology, behavior, and meat quality of male turkeys and chickens. Understanding why poultry are castrated, the methods involved, and the effects on the birds provides a more complete picture of this controversial practice. While caponization remains an economic reality of modern poultry production, ethical questions surrounding it continue to be debated.
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Caponization is done either by surgical removal of the testes, or, as some factory poultry producers prefer, by estrogen implants. Capons that are labeled “all natural” have been surgically caponized. Because of the loss of sex hormones, the normally aggressive barnyard rooster becomes a docile, mellow creature. Capons can be housed together as they will not fight for dominance, which makes the process of raising them a lot easier on the farmer. They can be raised for many months, to a size of 6-12 pounds.
Cooking a capon is not that different than cooking a chicken. Capons can be roasted like any chicken, but due to size will take longer. As a general rule, a capon should be roasted for 17 minutes per pound, so a 10 lb. bird would require a total roasting time of just under 3 hours. The capon is done cooking when a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the capons thigh reads 165 degrees, or the juices run clear. Whether poached, as in poule au pot, or stuffed and roasted, capons offer rich taste and lots of meat to go around the table. Read our article for more details on roasting a capon.
What are male turkeys called?
FAQ
What is the name of a castrated turkey?
- Capons can be raised by surgically removing the testes or by implanting estrogen.
- Capons that are labeled “all natural” have been surgically caponized.
- Capons are docile and mellow because they have lost sex hormones.
What is a castrated male turkey?
An adult male turkey that has been castrated is called a “capon.” Capons are typically created for meat production, as the process of castration can lead to the development of tender and flavorful meat. This practice is often done to improve the quality of the meat by altering the hormone levels in the bird.
What is a male boy turkey called?
Adult male turkeys are called gobblers. Juvenile males are called jakes. Gobblers average around 18-22 pounds and can have a wingspan of 5 feet. Adult female turkeys are called hens.
What is a castrated male goose called?
Castration is the removal of testicles in male animals, including birds like geese, ducks, chickens, and turkeys. It is commonly performed to control behavior or improve meat quality. Castrated male birds, known as capons, may exhibit changes in behavior and physical characteristics.
What is a castrated Turkey called?
Dictionary.com states that a castrated turkey is known as a hokie. This word can also be used as an adjective, as a synonym of “fake.” About.com states that the “hokie” or “hokiebird” is also the mascot of Virginia Tech. The mascot name was originally conceived in a poem written by a student.
What is a castrated male chicken called?
A castrated male chicken is called a capon. Capons are castrated very young, typically between 4 and 8 weeks old. The process, which is called “caponizing” involves removing the male reproductive organs of the cockerel so that he cannot produce testosterone and become a rooster.
What is a castrated male animal called?
For instance we call castrated bulls steers, horses geldings, and castrated cocks are called capons. Oh, look, there’s even a list: Wikisaurus:castrated male animal. Funny, castrated cats are listed as “gibs” but there’s nothing for dogs.