Little Giant Incubator Tricks

[Arielle]

Does anybody know the latest a chick can be vaccinated for Marek's disease because I didn't know about this until now and was wondering if they could still be vaccinated for it even thought they are over a day old...

You can vaccinate at any time. See the chicken doctors website for more information. First POultry . . . online catalog.

 

[Arielle]

After I installed the fan (yes blowing upward), the temps jumped to 110F. I don't have any eggs in it yet. I let the incubator run for several hours maintaining the 110f temp before I adjusted it. Now I have it were it should be. Just making sure there is not big drop or spike in temps. Couple more hours until the hygrometer is done calibrating. I think it will be pretty accurate as it is 69% right now and still has 2-4 hrs to go until its been in the bag for 8-10 hrs.

I'm now trying to figure out the best way to hatch the eggs. I'd like to put them in an egg carton so I can just tilt the whole unit and minimize the number of times I'm opening it, but I don't have a quail egg carton. Not sure how they will fit in a standard egg carton. Ill have to improvise.

CHookschick has a good page on using the LG with detailed instructions for the still air. I like the fan better but it takes a little more finessing. She is a firm beleiver as am I that the temps take a LONG time to stabilize. Both at set up and at addition of eggs. I found mine worked better when I kept it running continuously hatch after hatch.

I don't test my hydrometer as I dry hatch and the eggs will tell me if the water content is too high or too low. I do keep a running log out of curiosity and for general ball park numbers.

 

[mkeawsh]

I agree with hdowden. I do think there is a learning curve to using a LG but once you have it figured out, it's all good. LG's are all I have ever used and I have very good hatches unless the eggs are shipped and damaged. I just hatched 17 Serama eggs over the weekend. Here's the proof...

I agree with you and hdowden. Never had a problem. I love my LG. The only kind I have used in 7 years. Shipping is the only issue and that is out of my control.

 

[bradselig]

Thank you all for the advice. Yesterday was day 17 of incubating my quail eggs. I set 14, 11 made it to lockdown, and so far 6 have hatched. Not bad for shipped eggs!

 

[Arielle]

Thank you all for the advice. Yesterday was day 17 of incubating my quail eggs. I set 14, 11 made it to lockdown, and so far 6 have hatched. Not bad for shipped eggs!

They must be adorable!! True fluff balls!

 

[cmom]

We need some pics!!!

 

[bradselig]

Here are some pics from tonight

 

[cmom]

 

[bamachicks8]

So cute I just got my lg last night(free) and I love this thread. All the information has been so helpful. I do have a question I haven't decided if I'm gonna take apart the desktop for the fan or not yet but for those of you who have the egg turner where did you put it.

 

[Peep_Show]

I put a buzzy little computer fan up into the high corner of my LG so as not to compromise any ventilation holes, but I don't run it full-time and, actually, hardly use it at all. I just use it during the onslaught of multiple eggs hatching when things get a bit swampy in there. With a quick digital readout, I can regulate the humidity pretty well. Honestly, haven't had any problem with having a still-air incubator. The egg turner is a godsend, though!