Little Giant

[Suburban chick farmer 09]

For Valentines Day my wife bought me a Little Giant circulated air incubator with forced air fan kit. What a wonderful wife! (she doesn't really like chickens)

Is this a good incubator?

 

[lemurchaser]

It can be frustrating, but I have one that works well. Spend a couple of weeks fiddling with it before putting eggs in. I'd recommend getting a really good thermometer (Brinsea spot check), and check all corners and different spots. I have a warm corner, that can be up to 2 degrees higher than the rest of the incubator. During your trial run, try messing with the plugs and see what that does to your temp and humidity, figure out which wells can be filled to get the right humidity (for days 1-18 I have a pill bottle of water in mine, because even the shortest tray makes it too humid). It's a little prone to temp spikes esp around days 10-14 when the chicks start producing body heat, so I watch mine very very closely. It also matters where in the house it is (when mine is running I have the house set at a constant 68 degrees, because room temp variations mess it up). I've also had better temp stabilization with it sitting on a towel (I don't know why).

So short story, it works, it isn't easy, but if you have the time and patience you can get good hatches.

If you wanted to spend a little more, the Brinsea Octogon ECO is super-easy and you won't have to worry for 21 days straight.

Here are the modifications I've done to mine (see the bottom of page 1):
https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=281151&p=1

 

[Suburban chick farmer 09]

Sounds like a lot of work for a rookie. I might have to take it back. My BO's have great hatch rates, and I don't have to do a thing.

 

[LovinMyPeeps]

Honestly? I bought one... 3 days later I shoved it across the desk at TSC and got my money back. Now keep in mind, mine was not forced air, it was still, but after fiddling with it for 3 days and being unable to regulate it I want another hovabator. I love my hovabator, easy to regulate and incredibly steady. The LG disappointed me after having another bator that is so easy to use...

 

[IggiMom]

I would think that the LG with forced air would be less likely to have hot spots than the still air. I get good hatches with my LG Still Air. Usually.

It is what I learned on. (Not that I know so much now.)

Catherine

 

[HorseFeatherz NV]

I have one. I like it - but besides the chickens (broodies) it is all I have. I keep mine in a closet - middle of the house so the temp. flux in the closet is greatly reduced. I also dry hatch - great threads here - use the search above your logged in name for best results.

Mine also has an egg turner - I do notice I need to fiddle with the heat - just a smidge - when I remove the turner. I have not had a great hatch rate for shipped eggs, but do with my own chicken eggs.

 

[Suburban chick farmer 09]

I think the forced air should be able to keep a constant temp, but I'm open to any suggestions. I just looked up the Brinsea ECO, and they're the same price. If there's a big difference in quality, I'll return the LG.

 

[chubbydog811]

It is really more personal preference than anything - and depends on how patient you are.
I have 2 LG circulated air incubators. That is what I started with, and didn't have any problems. You have to remember when you are adjusting the temp, do it in TINY increments at a time.
Both of my LGs keep a constant temp. I rarely have to screw around with them. Anyway...

Good luck

 

[Dipsy Doodle Doo]

Hi! What a wonderful wife you have! (what'd you get her?)
I have the same LG (I got as an anniversary prize in '05) and it has been growing eggs constantly and consistantly ever since.
Many people talk ugly about LG's in general, but I've enjoyed mine (I have 4 now).
I use it them to set eggs here every week or 10 days.
Good luck with yours!

Lisa

 

[Suburban chick farmer 09]

Quote:
Thanks! I gave her a platinum dipped rose.