Brinsea Octagon 20 advance incubator review

[otakalhasas]

Just a little addition from me: I have had some issues with the thermometer with both my Brinseas (Octagon Advance 20 with external humidity pump, and Advanced Eco for 7 eggs). One shows too high temperatures, and one shows too low temperatures. The temperature is constant, so once I figured out the difference, I just changed the temp settings and everything was fine.

I know more people who have had this problem, so I strongly advice to buy a precise thermometer to check the temp before starting the incubator, and occasionally throughout the hatching. Supposedly you can fix the calibration yourself, or send it for recalibration with the supplier. So far I haven't bothered - it works just fine as long as I correct for the temp deviation.

Have you heard of any problems with the Octagon Eco? Also, what kind of thermometer do you use - one with a probe or just one you put in the incubator itself? Thanks!

 

[Ctptcha]

@fiveidahoboys hers how mine is:

 

[otakalhasas]

Hmmm - I think I have the Advance Eco (7 eggs, automatic turner), and the Rolls Royce Octagon with automatic turner and automatic humidity pump.

I used an external thermometer that I placed inside the incubator (at the top level of the eggs). I tried all kinds of cheap thermometers first, but they all showed different temps. So I got one from Brinsea - simple but accurate. (Looks like the old fashioned mercury ones).

Hope this helps!

Hi all!

One year, and MANY hatches later, I absolutely LOVE my Brinsea Octogons! Yes, plural - I have two, one used, one new and they both are worth every red cent! After the very first VERY successful hatch, I don't even bother to check the temp, I just check the water every few days, turn them four or so times a day (easy - just tilt to the other direction) and wait for 21 days. Easy to use, easy to clean, easy to watch the little ones hatching - GREAT machine! I've done tons of chickens, some quail, and will be doing some ducks soon. My neighbor has a pair of turkeys and I'm thinking of asking him for a few turkey eggs just to see what happens!

 

[av8torcrj]

Other than filling the water channels every 4-5 days there was zero babysitting. Maybe an occasional minor adjustment of the exhaust vent to manage the relative humidity should surrouding household conditions vary greatly, but I'm convinced one could likely fill the thing with eggs, turn it on, walk away and 21 days later scoop an above average hatch rate of fuzzy butts.

 

[countrygoddess]

Thank you!

 

[FVRM]

I recently bought the mini advance incubator from brinsea. So far its working great, its super simple to set up and use. I wish i had bought the bigger one because i can only incubate 7 eggs with the mini.

 

[Doctor Pammie]

Thank you for your thoughtful and detailed review. Considering that the price is pretty hefty, I wouldn't go ahead with it if I didn't feel like some "real" chicken folk had given it the stamp of approval!

 

[Ariel188]

Great write up, thanks! I ordered mine last week and its due to be here Thur! I cannot wait. I got the octagon 20 advance model. I have never incubated chicks, super excited! :--)

 

[av8torcrj]

I'm on lockdown with a second set of eggs. This time I didn't use the auto turner since I'm home most all the time and wanted to try the method. I just rotated the unit periodically throughout the day. I've removed one infertile and one day 7 blood ring. Ill let y'all know how it turns out. The first hatch have all grown to be very healthy birds.

 

[Ariel188]

Beautiful! Thank you SO much for the detailed write up. Mine comes in the mail tomorrow so I will set my first batch of eggs ever on Sat!! Thank you again!