This is what I disagree with the most and is what did NOT work for me. When I apply force, I never do it in a way that ends up with the rooster watching me in fear, or isolated from the flock. My methods aren't too different other than this point. To me, management by fear only seems to work if...
Oh, I'm sorry! I was responding to the OP in the second paragraph. I wasn't clear about that. My bad.
The reason I said that about the OP's bird is that typically when a bird avoids me but sneak attacks from the back when not watched, it means they somehow lack confidence in me. Often the...
I recommend using at least two external thermometers calibrated using the ice water method. The thermometer within the incubator can be quite wrong at times and I wouldn't rely on it. Even my Brinsea thermometer is off by a bit.
I don't mind it. After a short adjustment period, I think it will seem normal with the bonus of improving innate accessibility for people with mild vision problems. I can't see (no pun intended) a downside to the change.
I do understand the discomfort of "getting your cheese moved" but I don't...
I too have tried out Beekissed’s rooster speak. I had less luck. I think what that approach fails to consider is why the rooster is aggressive and breed temperament as well. In my case, it resulted in a scared bird that became even more aggressive. All that to say, YMMV.
From your description I...
Honestly, I haven’t noticed a pattern. The best rooster I ever had was a silkie and he watched over the flock very well, alerting for hawks and keeping an eye on the skies. Other silkie roosters that I’ve had were completely useless.
Other good roosters I’ve had include Plymouth Rocks and...
I would candle again. Do you know what to look for? Check for drawdown, internal pips, and if your candler is good enough, look for fuzziness and settling that may indicate dead embryos.
Your temperature is likely off if you’re having day 23 hatches on chicken eggs. Have you calibrated your...