Are Brinsea Ecoglow brooders too cold?

[Fancy_Feathers]

Hello! I am getting chicks in a couple weeks, and I am going to order everything for them today. I was planning on ordering the 1200 Brinsea Ecoglow brooder heater. I read the reviews and a lot of them said it was too cold and killed their chicks. Is this heater actually too cold for day old chicks- or will it be warm enough if you set it up properly? I will be keeping the chicks inside and the temperature stays around 70 degrees inside. Do y'all know how to set it up properly so our chicks don't get too cold? Or do y'all think I should get a heat lamp instead? If so, how do you set up a heat lamp properly? Thanks!

 

[MadamContrary]

I do like heat plates but, for the first week I use a ceramic emitter heat "lamp". I lost 3 chicks the first time I tried to use the heat plate from the beginning. It may have been used error on my part, however I haven't been willing to risk it again to see. I've seen lots of people happy with them and a similar concept is the "mama heating pad" is very popular.

 

[MadamContrary]

And it's always a good idea to have a back up heat source just in case.

 

[Fancy_Feathers]

I do like heat plates but, for the first week I use a ceramic emitter heat "lamp". I lost 3 chicks the first time I tried to use the heat plate from the beginning. It may have been used error on my part, however I haven't been willing to risk it again to see. I've seen lots of people happy with them and a similar concept is the "mama heating pad" is very popular.

Thanks for the reply! I am so sorry to hear that you lost 3 chicks .This is my first time raising chicks so I will probably start out with a heat lamp as well. When you said "ceramic emitter" that is the lamp that lets off no light, right? And how do you set it up properly? Also, does that make sand bedding really hot because I was planning on using sand as bedding.

 

[MadamContrary]

Thanks for the reply! I am so sorry to hear that you lost 3 chicks .This is my first time raising chicks so I will probably start out with a heat lamp as well. When you said "ceramic emitter" that is the lamp that lets off no light, right? And how do you set it up properly? Also, does that make sand bedding really hot because I was planning on using sand as bedding.

Yes, It looks just like a heat lamp but has a ceramic connection on the metal dome and the "bulb" is ceramic as well. I've had mine for 9 years and not had to replace the bulb yet, I bought a 3 pack of replacements just in case too. I use a stand that is designed for holding a reptile heat lamp. You'll need to monitor the heat in the brooder and adjust by raising or lower the heater or buy a temp regulator, I use one for plant heat mats, it has an attached temperature probe with a suction cup on it that I put in the brooder at the chick's level. I have not used sand in the brooder but, I'd be cautious and watch to make sure they don't eat it. I usually do paper towels or dog training pads for the first couple days until they all are eating and drinking well, then add a 3-4" thick layer of fine pine chips.

 

[Fancy_Feathers]

Yes, It looks just like a heat lamp but has a ceramic connection on the metal dome and the "bulb" is ceramic as well. I've had mine for 9 years and not had to replace the bulb yet, I bought a 3 pack of replacements just in case too. I use a stand that is designed for holding a reptile heat lamp. You'll need to monitor the heat in the brooder and adjust by raising or lower the heater or buy a temp regulator, I use one for plant heat mats, it has an attached temperature probe with a suction cup on it that I put in the brooder at the chick's level. I have not used sand in the brooder but, I'd be cautious and watch to make sure they don't eat it. I usually do paper towels or dog training pads for the first couple days until they all are eating and drinking well, then add a 3-4" thick layer of fine pine chips.

Thanks you so much for all the info. I think I will get a ceramic bulb to make sure they stay warm enough- should I use that with the heating plate in the brooder as well or should I just wait to put it in until the chicks are 2 weeks old? I was thinking of getting a heating lamp with red light at first until you mentioned ceramic bulbs, do you think ceramic bulbs are better? I was thinking of putting paper towels over the sand until the chicks know what food is so they know not to eat the sand. I will be getting construction grade sand which has bigger pieces in it and is less dusty than play sand. So if they do eat a small amount it won’t do anything- it acts as grit actually. I really appreciate all of your information, it is super helpful!

 

[MadamContrary]

Thanks you so much for all the info. I think I will get a ceramic bulb to make sure they stay warm enough- should I use that with the heating plate in the brooder as well or should I just wait to put it in until the chicks are 2 weeks old? I was thinking of getting a heating lamp with red light at first until you mentioned ceramic bulbs, do you think ceramic bulbs are better? I was thinking of putting paper towels over the sand until the chicks know what food is so they know not to eat the sand. I will be getting construction grade sand which has bigger pieces in it and is less dusty than play sand. So if they do eat a small amount it won’t do anything- it acts as grit actually. I really appreciate all of your information, it is super helpful!

If your brooder is large enough you can do both and let them choose what they like best, otherwise you can switch after the first week. You may have to teach them where the heat is though. Just be careful that the chicks don't fill up on the sand, it's fine at 10% or less of feed ratio but without a hen to guide them some chicks will gorge on sand or grit and ignore food. Just watch them, it sounds like you've done your homework and you'll have some happy little chicks

 

[Fancy_Feathers]

Thanks! I just went to our local feed store and purchased a heat lamp- I couldn't find a ceramic bulb, but I am hoping a heat lamp will be fine. I decided not to get sand and just wait to use it until the chicks move to the coop because I don't want them eating too much sand! I know I keep on saying this, but thank you for all the information, I can tell you are very experienced with chickens and you have been super helpful.

 

[MadamContrary]

Always happy to help! You can buy ceramic bulbs on Amazon and Walmart.com for pretty cheap, might even be able to order one through the feed store