just made my incubator, using a hot water tank thermostat in an ice chest. upon initial startup the thermostat shuts off at 99, but after it comes on the second time the temp will hit 102, then go back down to 99. the temp mostly stays on 99 and doesn't go below that, I just get those random...
My Black Australorp rooster Shazam. He's just barely 5 mos. old. Nicest dude on Earth, he just pecks a little hard when you hand feed him. He's learning from the older girls though. :)
Thanks guys. All these birds only cost me a dollar each so I'm not too disappointed if he isn't a splash marans. How do you tell a real blue splash marans for future reference?
This individual is 14 1/2 weeks. The comb grew in fast but hasn't gotten any larger in 5-6 weeks. Also this birds comb is tiny compared to its brother.
I bought two pullets from a gentleman that were supposed to be black aussies. now that they are getting old and their combs are starting to come in, i'm starting to notice black speckles on their combs. I've always questioned these birds because they are quite a bit smaller than the black...
He said they weren't hatchery but I'm thinking he lied. These will be the first hatchery birds in my flock.... Oh well, I have a strong roo, hopefully I can be the hatchery traits out after a few gets..
In my experience they only need a good night or afternoon in the coop to know where their home is. I just recently did the exact same thing, at first they stay close to the coop. This is day four for them all free ranging and they have learned from the older birds to head back at dusk...