Introduction to 'The Official Brinsea Octagon 20 Eco Thread'

[wishingbee]

I just got an Octagon 20 Eco a few days ago. I had to play with it a fair bit to get the temperature right, it was at 93 degrees initially. I have two thermometers in it, and I've been impressed by how steady it can hold a temperature! I've only ever incubated duck eggs in a styrofoam style incubator, so this is incredibly fancy in comparison.

Starting my first batch of shipped eggs tonight! (send me your thoughts, prayers, crossed fingers, etc!)

 

[BusyBlonde]

I can't wait to get mine! I'm getting one from a BYC member, and am soooo excited. I have a flock of BR's that are laying beautiful, fertilized eggs. I'm going to have a hard time waiting another 2-3 weeks for the eggs to be more uniform in size (a couple of the girls are still laying small eggs), but I'm looking forward to hatching my first batch ever.

 

[yinepu]

Quote:
uhm... mine do...
both of my eco 20's have a "built in " glass thermometer up at the top by the fan/heating housing

and here's the thermometer (well.. the underside of it.. it's made to be read from outside the eco 20)

 

[wishingbee]

What do you guys do when you have only two eggs to fill a whole row? I've got a strip of cardboard I'm tempted to use to prop the eggs up. Think that'll work?

 

[domino7]

Quote:
Sure! Anything will work. I usually use wadded up paper.

My Eco 20 also has a built in thermometer, although it isn't accurate. Great incubator though.

 

[wishingbee]

Thanks, Domino7!

I love that this thread exists for these types of questions. Thanks for starting it, jmc!

 

[jcatblum]

We have been using our Eco non stop for the past yr. Don't think it has ever been empty more than a wk.

I love it, but wish that it was easier to add the water to the bottom. I have to add water every 2 or 3 days. I use a sponge or washcloth in the bottom for lock down.

As far as getting eggs to fit I did start with cutting the bottoms out of cardboard egg cartons & setting the eggs inside them. However discovered I can fit more eggs by just placing them in there & I fill any spaces with a piece of cut egg carton. Last hatch I fit 28 rir eggs.

Some may complain about the lack of space, but I have better hatches in my Eco than in my sportsman. Hope by end of spring I can by a cabinet incubator from brinesea as well.

 

[lincolnsilkies]

I was going to order one of those while they are on sale for $99 but i didnt the sale end tonight so im still thing about it

 

[Impress]

Go buy one now!

Yep, mine has that built in stick thermometer as well, when I calibrated it, it was spot on with the 6 other thermometers I had in the thing, very accurate and easy to read!

 

[AZBootsie]

Quote:
I agree, they are a bit difficult to add water to. I stuff a straw down the vent hole and add water with a syringe. It works but is a PIA. In the desert I usually have to add water daily.