Guest Author - Denise Lacazette

The Brinsea Octagon Thermal Life-Support Cabinet (TLC) can be used as a bird brooder or hospital unit for small animals needing intensive care. The TLC-4 has several really nice features: independent temperature control, digital temperature display, microbiological air filtration, water reservoir, clear sliding door, switch-controlled interior lighting, and no open interior parts. The unit also comes with plastic nest tubs and other accessories like battery power are available. Upgrading to the TLC-5 unit offers even more versatility including nebulizer, oxygen, and temperature alarm inputs.

The unit came fully assembled except for plugging the cord into the back of the unit and the outlet. Cleaning is very easy because the interior has very little in the way of contouring, nooks, or crannies. The (humidity) water reservoir is easily accessible and fillable. The temperature control is clearly marked and the unit quickly attained the desired temperature. Adjustments were easy and the unit responded quickly.

I really like this brooder. The sliding door made it easy to access even with a handful of bird! The clear front allowed me to watch the babies or put it in an area where they can view other birds interacting – which I consider an important part of socialization even at such a young age. The clear front also allowed me to keep a constant watch on a sick bird instead of having to open the unit causing temperature fluctuations each time I wanted to check it. The ability to pick it up (at only 12 lbs) and run to the veterinarian was also a big plus. A few of my homemade brooders were neither that mobile nor able to run using a cigarette lighter (separate accessory). The unit does have a hefty price tag, but if you raise exotics you may find it well worth the price for the ease of use and peace of mind dependability.

Recommended: Yes

More information: Brinsea TLC-4