first time hatcher any advice?

[kelseygirl707]

I personally loved the 1588 genesis, it really was easy, just had to keep water in it, and let it go. With the LG I am surprised I hatched anything, lol. Good luck, I think you made the right choice.

 

[Chosen Chickens]

I have the little giant, the problem was I ordered eggs and went looking for a bator and all the local farming supply stores around here only sold little giant... so that is what I have... I think it will work fine for what I need until I want to drop some money on an automatic temp control and humidity control nice one!!!

 

[bigstack]

I used the LG UNTIL i found a sportsman (used) again Throw away the thermometer that is with the bator!!!!!!!!! I bought 2 more from TSC made by LG also. Threw them away! ALL 3 were off by 3 degrees. Go buy a digital Hygro/thermometer from Lowes or some place. I got a wireless 1 for $25 Now I can take the gauge every place I go. Before you put eggs in, add some kind of small water holder. The pans made in the bator are not enough. I added some small tupperware type bowls I cut down to fit. As many as you can squeeze in. I also added some wadded up paper towels under the vent hole in lid. I can squirt water on them from the outside. use the vent holes. It took me 2 days to get the temp right. But finally was able to maintain 99.5-100.1 humidity fluctuated during 18 days. went from 35-60% hard to keep steady. But now in lockdown keeping towels wet with syringe and humidity staying at 65-75% LG is ok for a first one. Just get another whenyou can. Its just to hard to keep steady. expect temp spikes. they dont last long enough to do harm. but they will scare the heck out of you. If temps jump to more than 102 for more than an our then adjust temp. Take the temp at egg level. I placed the sensor on the egg tray of the turner. just had to make sure it didn't mess up the turner ability. I also got a digital meat thermometer and pushed it in through the side just barely above the wire mesh. Its at egg level. I use it to double check the other sensor. Better safe than sorry!

Added: Now using the LG for hatching only! That way I dont have to keep opening the sportsman to remove chicks.(even though it has a hatching tray in the bottom)

Good luck and God Bless!