Goose egg incubation question...

[DulcyDoll]

Do goose eggs, and hatching goslings fit comfortably in a LG incubator?
I was going to make my own, but I've been reading about the problems with the thermostats and temp swings and don't want to risk it for my first time hatching geese.

My plan is to, if it is a comfortable fit, to buy a new LG, and use it for the geese, and while I am waiting for them to hatch, I will order a wafer thermostat and finish construction on the homemade, then sell the LG (once i am confident in the homemade)..

Thanks in advance

 

[adrian]

From my understanding, an LG will certainly hold goose eggs. For goose eggs, rolling or manual turning is recommended, not turning racks. But it should work out for you. That said, LGs aren't exactly top notch incubators.

 

[DulcyDoll]

LOL.. Thanks. I like to hand turn, and I usually never have more than 15 eggs, so its not difficult. I have an LG with Guineas in it now, and used it last year with no problems...that said..I prefer Hovabators, but my local farm store only carries LG's

 

[adrian]

Quote:
And I prefer Brinsea incubators, but I have a Hovabator.

Contemplating ordering an Octagon ECO, though.

 

[DulcyDoll]

I guess my main concern is a gosling possibly burning his little head on the heating element? Anyone have this happen?

 

[adrian]

It's funny, because I have no idea where the heating element is on my Hovabator.

It seems to all be sort of hidden. But goslings are pretty tall. I've heard horror stories of them getting their heads injured by the fans... Ouch. But again, I can't even see fan blades on my 'bator. I think the newest Hovabators are safe, for sure.

 

[shelleyd2008]

A LG and a hovabator cost about the same price, but a hovabator is taller. I hatched my gosling in an LG, and was constantly watching to make sure it didn't burn itself. I would think it were possible even in a hovabator, but I would feel more comfortable with the hovabator. Since you are buying a new one, and they basically cost the same, I would go with a hovabator.

 

[adrian]

Quote:
Goslings are quite distressed when they hatch, as they imprint strongly and desperately want to find their mother. It's understandable that this distress would pose a danger should they be tall and the heating element and fan be close to them. They do tend to flop around quite a lot.

 

[BorderKelpie]

I recently hatched two little Africans in an LG. I was also worried about the heating element, but they did ok. I did move them a little sooner than I would have chicks, but again, they seem to be thriving now. Although, since Tramp hatched well before Lady, he got a little extra snuggle time wrapped in two cloth diapers cuddled up with me on the couch. DD has blackmail pics of us together.

 

[DulcyDoll]

Thanks.. another LG it is. I'll just have to keep a close eye on it during hatching.