GENERAL NEWS
- SPBE (Society of Parrot Breeders & Exhibitors) reviews Octagon 20

The review, by Todd Edsel, is reprinted complete and unabridged with the kind permission of SPBE (Society of Parrot Breeders & Exhibitors).

When evaluating an incubator, the ultimate test is quite direct. Can it properly supply the environment necessary for the precarious development from egg to chick? The answer is a most definite yes!

When Brinsea Products, Inc. donated the Octagon 20 incubator for the SPBE special raffle held at the '97 GABS, it was decided to test the product for an upcoming series of product reviews for the SPBE journal.

It was with trepidation that which egg was to be the 'test egg' was selected. If the test failed, a dead or malformed chick could result. When a single, abandoned Yellow-winged Amazon egg was found in a box, it was selected for the test. The egg had not been attended to by the hen. This would be the perfect test as 'day one' incubation is most difficult and a great evaluation of an incubator's qualities.

On the fifth day, there was a noticeable development of the embryo. The egg developed without incident and approximately 28 days after first being placed in the Octagon 20, the amazon chick made his first appearance 'sans shell'.

The Octagon 20 is a well designed unit with many functional features for the aviculturalist. Among them we liked how easy the unit is cleaned and disinfected. After lugging out the brand we normally use for dangerous gas sterilisation, washing out the Octagon 20 was a pleasure

The machine also maintained the desired temperature perfectly. This is achieved by 'all round heating' from the printed heater bars that cover the 'double skinned' clear top without blocking visibility of the eggs inside. The double layer to the clear top also helps to maintain consistent heat. The unit also utilises a 'computer-type' circulating fan to ensure even heating with no 'dead spots'. 

Another well thought out feature is the method of egg turning. Rather than moving the egg via rollers or other devices (we often worry about the stresses placed on the egg from friction as wear marks can be observed on the egg itself,) the incubator unit itself rotates while cradling the egg within - no egg shell wear. There is also no danger that a hatching chick being trapped in moving parts.

Another plus to the machine is the fact that it makes a great hatcher. Experienced incubationists know that in order to speed hatching after the chick breaks the internal membrane, a lower temperature and higher humidity is desired. The ability of the Octagon 20 to 'blow out' the humidity is excellent and hatching was extremely fast.

© Brinsea Products Inc 2006