How do I Use a Little Giant Model 5200 Incubator?

Little Giant Incubators are easy to obtain and easy to use. They offer hobbyists and classrooms the opportunity to inexpensively experience the incubation process without the assistance of a broody bird. Little Giant 5200 can be used to incubate a variety of eggs including chickens, guineas, ducks and turkeys. These incubators are referred to as "still-air" incubators because there is no mechanism to circulate air inside the incubator. Accessory fan kits as well as mechanical turners can be purchased to simplify the process and aid the developing chicks.

Things You'll Need

  • 12-inch square of hardware cloth (comes with the incubator)
  • Electrical source
  • 3 thermometers (one comes with the incubator)
  • Clean sponge
  • Dish soap
  • Fertilized eggs
  • Pencil
  • Calendar
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Instructions

  1. Prepare the Incubator

    • 1
      Sun-drying deeply sterilizes the styrofoam

      Wash out the base of the incubator using a mild dish soap and sponge; do not scrub. Set the base outside in the sun to dry for several hours.

    • 2
      The cord on the incubator is 48 inches long. Use an extension cord, if needed.

      Assemble the incubator by putting the hardware cloth square in the base, put the thermometers on the hardware cloth, and place the Styrofoam top on the base. Plug in the incubator.

    • 3
      Temperature requirements vary among species

      Adjust the temperature in the incubator until it is correct for the eggs. Different species of birds have differing appropriate incubation temperatures.

    • 4
      Precise measurement is not necessary for adding water to the incubator.

      Add a 1/4 to 1/2 cup of water to the reservoir in the base of the incubator. The empty incubator needs to be monitored for at least 24 hours to ensure the thermostat is consistently heating. If the thermometers are not in sync, an additional thermometer needs to be added to ensure the accurate temperature is being obtained.

    Prepare the Eggs

    • 5

      Write an "X'' on one side of each egg and an "O" on the other side. Place the eggs in the heated incubator with the X sides up. The eggs should not be touching.

    • 6
      A calendar is an important tool for tracking the embryos' growth and development.

      Mark on the calendar "Day 1." Count ahead and mark the day to stop turning the eggs, the day the eggs should begin to hatch, and the day to dispose of unhatched eggs. Different species have differing incubation lengths. Refer to species specific literature.

    • 7
      The eggs have to be turned several times a day to exercise the embryo.

      Turn the eggs several times a day. Use the Xs and Os to help track which eggs have been turned.

    • 8
      A chick needs to stay in the incubator so it doesn't get chilled.

      Allow the eggs to hatch unassisted. Keep the incubator closed until the hatch is complete and the chicks are dry and active.