LG still air as a hatcher????

[LALADY1101]

I posted another thread a little bit ago about a staggered hatch. TSC has the LG still air for $41 if I decided to go ahead with trying to do the staggered hatch. DH can add a fan for me. I've seen various posts where people didn't care so much for the LG as an incubator, but what about as a hatcher? I'll have a staggered hatch of 16 silkie eggs. Thanks, Shannon

 

[fivestring]

I can tell you I just used an LG with an added computer fan for my first incubate/hatch. I hatched 32 eggs out of 36. I am very happy with my LG as either incubator and or hatcher. Put a couple books on the lid to be sure it seals good on the base and good luck!

 

[Cowgirlgrace]

I use mine as a hatcher only, although it has a fan. Read on another post that hatching without a fan is a good thing since the hatched chicks don't really need a fan blowing on them. I don't know if I have a defective LG but it was my first and had really poor hatches. I realized that even with the fan one side was off in temp compared to the other by 3*. The whole element was working just fine. When I hatch in it I only place the eggs on one side that I have at 99* since the other side will be 96*. Can't figure it out. You'd think the fan would circulate things better especially in such a small space. Also, when the air is really dry outside I need to add sponges for more humidity since it only has a few troughs for water. It's plenty in the wet winter though. The temp adjustment is also really touchy. I've read people like their LG's but mine really sucks. I love my hovabators.

 

[LALADY1101]

Quote:
Thanks Mike!! I checked out your ministry......fabulous!! What a great thing you're doing!!!

 

[dovecanyon]

Here is a link to a recent thread on this same subject.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=303201

 

[Lyz]

we have LG and Hovabators....and love them...we have 92% + hatch rate....i will not go to the forced air unless i build my own....which i have this wonderful cabinet...wonder if DH would miss it...ha ha ha...just kidding...

 

[steelersfan43]

We did the staggered hatch. Used the hovabator genesis until lockdown for orpingtons they were put in the little giant from tractor supply. No fan. Worked great. Had a hard time with regulating humidity at first but after that it was fine. Got 8 little babies that hatched yesterday!

 

[LALADY1101]

Thanks for all your replys guys. There's another thread on here with the exact same question...oops!!

I set 8 silkie eggs this morning and should be setting another set this weekend. This will be my 1st time doing a staggered hatch. I'm gonna go to TSC tomorrow and get the LG and have DH install a fan on it

 

[scbatz33]

Quote:
This is exactly what I do, too. The 1588 til day 18 then over to the LG for hatching. That way I can stagger hatches and get better results.

 

[WalkingWolf]

The only problem I have in hatching in a lg is the height, ducks and standard size chickens can reach the heating elements and get burned. At some point I am going to make a 1 inch spacer to raise the top to help, but this will make it harder to heat.