Not happy with Little Giant ~ suggestions?

[NurseNettie]

I agree with the Hovabator 1588 with turner. That's what I've got-- hatching my first peeps out in this bator-- and it's been so easy, with excellent results!!!!!!
** And definitely get a surgeprotector! I know our power here is iffy- and may have been part of the problem with the LG Still Air.

 

[Hangin Wit My Peeps]

This is why I LOVE my hovabator 1588! The temps stays at a solid 99.5 ALWAYS...and all I have to do is add water every three days about

It's heaven!

 

[Poulets De Cajun]

Quote:
Yes but if you can figure out the problem, and learn how to prevent it, think about how much more knowledge and experience you'll have when you get a big bator!

Its frustrating, I lost 20 something eggs earlier this year too. But after evaluating everything I learned things that I can do different next time to improve the hatch rate.

It seems like a loss now, but try and try again, and you'll be that much more of a pro later on.

(an no I don't work for Little Giant. I just love mine!)(not that I'm NOT planning on buying a cabinet bator soon!)

 

[hippichick]

I lost so many eggs in my LGs. Finally bought Hovabator 1588s, and I am having much better hatches. So much easier to use than the LGs. No comparison, really. And the turners for the LGs work in the Hovabators, so I didn't have to buy turners, only bators.

 

[amyquilt]

Quote:
I'm glad someone's LG is performing well for them

 

[chickenlady]

I run 3 LGs all spring and love all 3 of them. My temps hold great, the humidity holds great. I think it is a matter of getting to know how yours works. I know mine well and know how much to turn the dial to adjust the heat, it is very sensitive. I know that adding more water generally lowers the temp for a little bit. You should use very warm water when adding more. I know how to adjust it when I use it in different seasons, winter and spring are different in temps and humidity. It is extremely sensitive to the air temp and humidity in the room you place it in. Air conditioning is not a good idea. If I read correctly, a blanket was put over the incubator.....the eggs dont get fresh air, they cannot breath, causes poor hatches. Maybe it wasnt so much the incubator as operator error.

Also, it is styrofoam. It needs to be cleaned properly each and every time, no exceptions.

I'm not saying LG has the best design but if you take the time to learn your incubator instead of rushing through things and blaming it first, you will have better success.

*When using an LG, I place on 2x4s the raise it up a little bit. Be careful not to block the air holes on the bottom. Raising it increases air flow into the incubator which helps with hatches. The LG's 'legs' were made too low which does not allow for proper air exchange.
*Always use very warm water when adding water and fill only one reservoir at a time if not sure how much this will increase humidity.
*The temp knob is extremely sensitive, turn a hair at a time and wait, be patient.
*Run this bator for at least 48 hours (at proper temp and humidity) prior to placing eggs in it, using a good thermometer and hygrometer.
*Because it is styrofoam, it is extremely important where is it placed. It should not get any draft at all. You cannot see a draft and sometimes you cannot feel the draft. Before setting up a bator, place a lit candle in the area and check if it flickers at all.

I'm sure there are more tips if I thought a little bit. Bottom line, you need to learn your bator before using it. Some may be designed better, therefore less to learn about it and easier to use. I like my LGs just fine. They work for me, sorry it didnt work for you. I wish you better hatches in the future.

 

[rroven]

I have an LG still air and a Hovabator 1602 still air or they used to be. I have to admit they were both difficult to regulate but if you add a pc fan to them they work much much better. I also sat my LG on a phone book so the air flow is better. Both are holding consistant temps now between 99.5 -100. I also have an egg turner in the LG and I think it makes a considerable difference that the bator is not being opened 3+ times a day. I lost most of my first hatch of 11 Salmon Faverolle eggs with just one chick hatching out and personally, I think that was a huge slice of luck to even get 1 chick. As it is, I think he may be brain damaged...sigh...because although he can eat, he hasn't a clue about drinking. He is currently being syringe fed water. It does take time to figure these contraptions out and it is as frustrating as can be, but install a fan and hang with it, it'll all work out.

 

[summerwindsfarm]

I run 2 hovabator 1620s practically year round and have hatches that average around 85%. I bought a little giant from a friend and hated it. It had only been used twice so was almost brand new. I could not get the temps to settle for anything. I tried three hatches with it and averaged about 30%. I do have rural electric but it was on a surge protector. Part of the problem for me i think is that the temp control is soo little that a wee bit of turn translates into a lot of temp changes. I really hated the temp adjusting knob. I sold it and am looking for a third hovabator.

 

[chickenfanatic]

ok ill ring in here. i hatedddd my lg bator it was a apin to regulate but after i installed a fan from an old pc and starteed using a water wiggler its just as good as anything else i have used i had a hard time last yr. a put the whole thing in a big cradboard box hahaha i had 4 100% hatches in a row never had better luck than that with anything so theres a few things u might try.

 

[jackiedon]

I have 4 LG's going right now. I put them in a room where the vent is turned off from the ac. I get pretty good hatches 85% or better. Of course I've never used anything but LG's so I don't have any thing to compare it too. My dream is to have a large cabinet one but that's way in the future.

jackie