Thats pretty cool! I've been thinking about doing something similar with a dark-activated switch (http://www.learningaboutelectronics.com/Articles/Dark-activated-switch.php) and an electric actuator.
Are the vent holes plugged? As they start to get closer to hatch the humidity should go up on its own as well caused by the chicks themselves. 65 % isnt danger zone, I wouldnt worry unless it goes below 60. Also how accurate is your hygrometer?
You could always use a regular fluorescent light if you are concerned about periods of light. Set it on a timer or control it by hand, they release minimal heat. Commercial brooders use a heating element on a thermostat and a small 6w red bulb for light and to attract them to the heat source.
Are these a commercial strain or heritage cross? We breed heritage crosses and I have never seen them be overly aggressive but the definitely do remind me of dinosaurs :)
We are looking for additional suppliers of Buff Orpington and Barred Rock hatching eggs. Our current supplier can't produce enough to keep up :) Must be NPIP, looking for another 4 dozen of each breed per week. You don't have to supply all needed yourself if you can't produce that many, I'll...
I would put a vent with louvers at the top back side of that design. Does the back drop down for easy cleaning? I would also recommend a sliding door for the coop / pen access so if you need to you can lock them in or out of the coop.
Read the instructions on the can, it may vary depending on concentration. Generally the powder is for where they do their dust baths and nesting boxes. As for the coop itself you should use the liquid spray and spray it down after cleaning.
It may be organically acceptable but its still a...
Rooster can, not hens (that I have seen). Make sure if you are planning on growing out the roosters for broilers you feed them broiler feed to help them along as much as possible.
http://www.cameronfamilyfarm.com/ct-chicken-hatchery/standard-chicks-for-sale/cornish-rock.html
I only have chick pics, they are on my website. You will notice how much thicker their legs are. I'll try to take a comparison pic this weekend.
2.5lbs is definitely pretty small :) Heritage roosters generally take about 18 - 20 weeks to reach 3 - 4lbs dressed. I wait till about the first man size crow, to me thats usually the dinner bell for a heritage. When a bird is referred to as a dual purpose its usually in reference to the...
No :) Dark Cornish and White Rocks. I'm trying to re-invent the wheel a little bit but create a more self sustainable bird.
I bet the DC / RIR would be interesting however I wanted to breed down the colored plumage since a lot of processors charge extra for colored plumage.
Anyone on the NPIP program has to fill out 9-3 forms when selling poultry, they are supposed to give you a copy. If not ask for one. If they can't produce it they are probably not really on the NPIP program. I've run into that a lot trying to buy eggs for new breeds.