My Father in-law is getting rid of a Rooster on the Farm he helps on. I was wondering if any one can show me or point me to the right place, on how to cape a rooster. I?m not sure what breed, but I know I can use some of the feathers. YES, I?m new to Fly-tying and need some help. Any comments are appreciated.
Thanks for your time.
Eric
I don’t know how much time you have but I suggest you pick up a copy of Eric Lieser’s book Fly Tying Materials . Try [url=http://www.abebooks.com:4a495]www.abebooks.com[/url:4a495] You can probably find a copy there.
Don’t forget about the spade hackle that is in the wing area and even on the wings, great tailing material.
Jim
[This message has been edited by Jim Slattery (edited 20 April 2005).]
EPuffer,
The first comment I would make is: don’t bother, the hassle ain’t worth it 
Having said that, I do have a set of pictures I took of Denny removing the cape off a rooster which I shot at the 2002 NY Fish-In. Not for the weak of stomach, but pretty detailed. Nudge me if you feel up to it and I will share the url.
Cheers,
Hans W
=== You have a friend in Low Places ===
http://www.danica.com/flytier
This provides some advice on skinning a chicken for fly tying purposes:
[url=http://www.globalflyfisher.com/tiebetter/chickens/:e3930]http://www.globalflyfisher.com/tiebetter/chickens/[/url:e3930]
Bob
Hans,
Why did you shoot a rooster at the fish-in? 
Regards,
Keith
“Time’s fun when you’re having flies.” Kermit the Frog
Must have been practicing with a shooting line.
Thanks for the input you all have helped out.
flyangler!!
You must be responsible for a lot of coffee on monitors. Nearly hurt myself on that one.
I don’t see why it wouldn’t be worth it He might not know he won’t get the same type of feathers off a farm bird but the feathers would still be good for some flies IE bass bugd and such and it might be a show type bird which would have pretty good feathers on it. IMHO. Later matt go for it it will give you some pratice and many folks use farm bird feathers.
To each there own !
I do know the feathers will not be as good ,but why not try to use some anyway. They are getting rid of the rooster any way.
stonefly71, Yes I do try to tie bass bugs,not good yet. Only been fly tying since 04 X-Mas(4 months).
Here is my skinning method. [url=http://flyanglersonline.com/flytying/atlantic/skinning.html:b1062]http://flyanglersonline.com/flytying/atlantic/skinning.html[/url:b1062]
Funny, I just finished skinning a barnyard hen about a half hour ago. She had some pretty nice feathers though and I am in the process of skinning a big bunch of rare Pheasants.
Yeah Hans, it isn’t for the fainthearted among us and really, I don’t enjoy it either but I must plod through. I wouldn’t normally bother with a barn yard chicken (male or female) but it is quite easy to just cut patches out if they have interesting feathers. This bird, I did the whole body treatment as described but did have to think about it for awhile.
Happy Trails!
Ronn