Maggie Brooksby

Benjamin Bouchard wrote:With the massive surplus of cockerels it makes me wonder why caponization isn't more commonly practiced. If I get to the point where I decide to bother with breeding chickens instead of just ordering in flocks I'll be investing in a kit.

Caponization isn't widely offered because it's considered cruel. Testes are internal in birds. They usually open the ribcge via their back and remove the testicles while the bird is alert without anesthesia. They can't use anesthesia on small young birds because they generally don't wake up. There's usually a very high mortality rate post-surgery as well. Caponization is illegal in some states too. It would sort of be similar to removing one of your kidneys while you're awake. There is no low hanging fruit to snip - so to speak, so it's a much more invasive procedure.

I just recently purchased from http://Privatelabelsoapnuts.com

I got my 5 lbs for a fraction of what I was paying before and the quality is really good so I'm a happy camper. If you're buying in bulk I highly recommend those people. They sell in different grades at different prices so depending on your need you can get pieces, unsorted grade A - grade D but all of it is far more affordable than anywhere else on the internet with no sacrifice for quality. That said, The price of a bulk 5 lb bag of piece per load is around 1-2 cents per load with shipping - comparable to the DIY detergents with less of the work.

I generally don't buy into one brand being better but I do respond to pricing and bang for buck. I did notice on the site their grade D has resembled what I've purchased elsewhere at other companies as a "select" grade for way way more money.

I'd also like to comment on the OP mentioning seeds causing stains. I did once purchase some soapnuts with seeds, and I used them for at least half a year without any kind of staining. Nothing I own is expensive though (maybe they just stain expensive clothes? hehehe). I think that's just propaganda by the seedless companies. I do enjoy using the seedless though, it's just more convenient for me, but I don't think anyone needs to be scared away.

They are coming out with these windows now that are clear but will process light as solar energy - FYI

http://www.hydrogenfuelnews.com/sharp-introduces-transparent-solar-cells/856037/

I didn't see anyone else mention this but if you purchase chicks, make sure you get a rooster or two, not just hens - they will protect the hens somewhat during the day from predators while foraging and they sound the alarm if they see a hawk which will send the rest scattering.

I compost my tissues as well. microbes that make people sick don't survive too long outside the human body and most diseases don't cross species.