Little Giant incubating instructions??

[Hennyhandler]

I got a Little Giant Incubator for Christmas

and while I have read the instructions I wanted to really understand the incubating process.
I was hoping someone would have this incubator and kind of give me and overview of how things should be done or have realized ways to do things to make the hatch more successful. I was also wanting a kind of follow along instructions or list of must do's. I know that the eggs need to settle for 24 hours (?) in a cool place. Then place them in the incubator. They need to be turned. I have heard three times a day. To candle them can they be taken out to another room or should they stay in the room that is stable in temp? Should I sit them in an egg carton?

I know that some of the answers will be determined by circumstances when they occur but I like to know as much as I can and prepare. I want to get an idea of what this is going to be like. I'm sooo excited!!!

Thanks.

 

[tristancolli]

i personally have never had any luck with a LG bator. and alot of people i know recomend to stay away from them but here is a thread u should read it gives ou some tricks to help out with temp and humidity and everything. https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=601352 happy hatching and merry christmas

 

[kidcody]

I also didn't have much luck with the LG. I found that the temperature was different in different spots, some spots as low as 97 and other spots as high as 102. I did finally get things worked out. I found a dry incubation seemed to work best. All you need to do is place your eggs on your counter at room temperature for 12 hours. I have since purchased a cabinet style incubator that works almost 100% of the time. I would suggest don't give up on your LG just keep trying. There is a lot of great helpful information on here from others. Good luck, the little babies are worth the wait!

 

[tristancolli]

my LG is not my homemade bator. i took the lg apart and used everything and made a home made bator which works really good.

 

[nstilwater]

i HAVE AN LG AND IT SEEMS TO DO A GOOD JOB AS LONG AS YOU HAVE IT IN A ROOM THAT HAS A STABLE TEMP. ALSO THE INCUBATOR CAN BE DRAFTY BECAUSE OF THE AIR COMING IN THROUGH THE SIDES WHERE TOP AND BOTTOM MEET. EITHER PUT TOWELS AROUND SIDES OR PUT SOME WEATHER STRIPING ON THE LIP OF IT TO HELP THAT WILL KEEP THE TEMP MORE STABLE. OTHER THAN THAT I JUST SET THE TEMP AND FILL THE TRAYS WITH WATER. I HAVE A TURNER THOUGH SO I DONT HAVE TO OPEN IT ALL THE TIME, ALTHOUGH I DID HATCH DUCK EGGS AND I HAD TO TURN THOSE. THREE OUT OF FIVE WOULD HAVE HATCHED IF MY SON HADNT GOT ON THERE IN THE LAST WEEK AND CRACK TWO. THE LAST ONE DID HATCH THOUGH. THE OTHERS PROBABLY WOULD HAVE TOO

 

[billiejo21]

I too have had mixed success with my LG...lots of threads on here with tips on how to increase your hatch rate...I'd do a search and read as much as you can. I just ordered a cabinet incubator with the hopes of getting more consistent hatches.

 

[jen85]

I use one and have had good luck with it! I use a turner and don't add water for the first 18 days unless the humidity gets below 25%. If its still air the temp should be 101.5 on top of the eggs. I use the thermometer that came with the incubator and it works for me.....I know everyone says don't. Lol. Just haven't got around to buying a digital and my chicks have been hatching on day 21 so I figure it's accurate. Good luck and watch out! Its addicting!

 

[nurse_turtle]

I would take it back and use that money for a Hovabator. Even a hovabator still air will be much easier and carefree. I am biased against the LG. I had a terrible experience with it. 36 eggs cooked by temp fluctuations. I sold it after 1 use and bought another hovabator.

 

[CBarrett]

Quote:
I have a hovabator, and would recommend it also..