Ameraucana Breeders Club
The Official Forum of the Ameraucana Breeders Club => Ameraucana Marketplace => Topic started by: Beth C on February 17, 2011, 10:28:10 AM
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I have a rather colorful incubator at the moment: 1 wheaten, 1 buff, 1 black, 1 lavender, & 1 lavender split. 10 eggs to go - knock on wood, maybe this season will be better than last!
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v642/bncarey/chickens/fd68ee32.jpg)
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Awesome!
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I love it.
Way to go.
Jess
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Nice chicks and photo, but opening the lid to the incubator while eggs are hatching is allowing the warm air and humidity to escape and may affect the hatchability of the remaining eggs.
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I know, it was a dumb move. That \"it\'ll only be a second\" mentality but seeing that second frozen in time in a picture is telling - I won\'t be doing that again!
All total I ended up with 5 wheaten, 4 black, 2 buff, 2 split* & 1 lavender. I should have another batch over the weekend.
*I want to make sure I have this right: black X lavender = 100% splits, right? split X split = 25% black/50% split/25% lavender? split X lavender = 50% split/50%lavender?
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Your percentages are accurate. Can you see any visual differences between the blacks and splits at any stage of development?
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I\'ve been told there is no accurate way to tell them apart so any black chicks from a split X split breeding should be treated as if they *could* carry lavender (and should not be bred to black), is that correct? These are the result of lavender X black, so should all be splits. If I breed them only to lavender, then I should know all black chicks produced carry lavender, right? This seems easier, but is there any benefit in split X split over split X lavender?
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I\'ve been told there is no accurate way to tell them apart so any black chicks from a split X split breeding should be treated as if they *could* carry lavender (and should not be bred to black), is that correct? These are the result of lavender X black, so should all be splits. If I breed them only to lavender, then I should know all black chicks produced carry lavender, right? This seems easier, but is there any benefit in split X split over split X lavender?
Right on all counts. There would be no benefit colorwise from breeding split over split in lieu of split over lavender, but I would base my selections for breeding more on type, size, temperament, and a whole host of other factors moreso than color in that case.
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Thanks! Be forewarned, when the time comes to make those selections, I\'m going to probably post enough questions/pictures to drive you all nuts... ;)
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I know, it was a dumb move. That \"it\'ll only be a second\" mentality but seeing that second frozen in time in a picture is telling - I won\'t be doing that again!
All total I ended up with 5 wheaten, 4 black, 2 buff, 2 split* & 1 lavender. I should have another batch over the weekend.
*I want to make sure I have this right: black X lavender = 100% splits, right? split X split = 25% black/50% split/25% lavender? split X lavender = 50% split/50%lavender?
So if you have 4 blacks and 2 splits which I\'m assuming are also black, you have no way to tell them apart until you breed them?
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The 4 blacks are from my black pen, and I kept the lavender eggs in a separate basket in the incubator and toe punched them, so I know which ones the splits are. The first split was trying to escape the basket so I took him out & toe punched him. (I took the picture when I popped him back in with the others.) This time I have the basket secured better so I won\'t have to open the lid.
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I kept the lavender eggs in a separate basket in the incubator and toe punched them,
Sounds like you\'ve got it all figured out. :D
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The 4 blacks are from my black pen, and I kept the lavender eggs in a separate basket in the incubator and toe punched them, so I know which ones the splits are. The first split was trying to escape the basket so I took him out & toe punched him. (I took the picture when I popped him back in with the others.) This time I have the basket secured better so I won\'t have to open the lid.
I see. I use wire cloth dividers in my incubator. I\'m trying to imagine what this basket looks like though.
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Sounds like you\'ve got it all figured out. :D
Don\'t I wish! ;-)
I\'m trying to imagine what this basket looks like though.
CrystalCreek mentioned using suet baskets, so I gave them a try. They worked well, but I didn\'t have it latched the first time.
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are lavender splits soild black? i know in silkies there black with silver hackles
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are lavender splits soild black? i know in silkies there black with silver hackles
the couple that I have hatched that are feathered out are solid black.
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I never thought about using a suet basket- what wonderful idea. I have my hatcher tray divided into rows to separate eggs, but it would be nice to use the basket when I have just two or so eggs that need to be divided off. Cool idea~ thanks
Patty
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Crystal posted this on another site and I thought it was such a cool idea I had to try it! I\'ve picked up several neat tricks from her. :D
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I got one of the big treat baskets for when I need to seperate things. Looks just like a suet basket, but it\'s about 3-4 times the size. :)
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I\'ll post a picture; I have to downsize it first. Three fit nicely in a Genesis 1588 with room all around for a total of four divisions. I bought mine in the Garden dept at Lowe\'s but they are available just about anywhere. I was concerned a chick would hang itself, but have not had any problems so far.
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Here\'s a pic
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I can fit 9 of Paul Smith\'s pullet\'s eggs in one or 11 or so normal sized ameraucana eggs.
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And sorry my humidity device is so \"in your face\"; it is what it is. :) I use air hose tubing and can add water through the vent hole without even opening the lid...very handy during the last three days....
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I got mine at Wal-Mart - think they were about $2. I like that they\'re coated wire - makes them easy to clean. You must have the larger ones. I can fit 6 eggs in mine, but they were a bit cramped when they hatched, so I\'m going to try the treat baskets. Your humidity device cracks me up, but it\'s a great idea!