incision. An incision about one and one-half inches in length is made
through the skin and muscles, and the spreader inserted. The sharp hook is
then inserted and the thin serous membrane over the intestine is torn
through. The testicles are situated in the superior portion of the
abdominal cavity or under the back. On pushing the intestines to one side,
both testicles, which are about the size of a bean and yellowish in color,
can be seen. The lower one should be removed first. After removing both
testicles, blood clots, feathers, or any foreign body that may have gotten
into the wound should be picked up with the tweezers before removing the
spreaders and allowing the wound to close. No special after-treatment is
required.

_The most common complication_ is rupture of the spermatic artery. This
occurs at the time the testicle is torn loose and may be due to careless
methods, or operating on cockerels that are too large. If all of the
testicle is not removed from the abdominal cavity, the bird is termed a
"slip." Sometimes air puffs form after the operation. These should be
punctured with a sharp knife.

OVARIOTOMY, "SPAYING."--The removal of the ovaries, or ovariotomy, is
practised for the purpose of rendering the female more useful for meat
production, prolonging the period of lactation, overcoming vicious habits
and preventing oestrum or heat. The operation is commonly performed in the
heifer and bitch, occasionally in the mare, and at present rarely in the
sow.

_Heifers_ are usually spayed between the ages of eight and twelve months;
the _bitch_ and _sow_ when a few months old, or before the periods of heat
have begun. The _mare_ is spayed when mature. It is possible to spay the
female at any age, but the ages mentioned are the most convenient. Pregnant