Brinsea Ecoglow chick brooder - one BIG flaw!

[Gypsy07]

So my new Ecoglow chick heater arrived today and I got it set up in two minutes:

It's economical, safe, NO fire hazard, more natural than a heat bulb and the chicks seem to like it.
There's just one pretty BIG problem that I can see with it already...

- When the chicks are under it, you can't see them at all!

Unless you take photos with the camera sitting on the brooder floor of course...

 

[chickie fam]

Well at least you can get some pretty cute pictures like that!

 

[kla37]

They sure look happy! Nice!

 

[Diamond Wire Farms]

I'd say the side of your brooder needs a viewing window. My nieces were constantly asking to be picked up so that they could see they chicks. I gave in and put in a window for them before the last hatch. Happy kids, happy chicks. No more looming heads making them run for cover!

 

[allcrackedup]

does the yellow part move or turn, can it be raised ? so that it's higher in the front allowing for cooler areas for chicks that do not want as much warmth. this may also improve viewing..

 

[wegotchickens]

There's another flaw to the eco brooder: The fledglings learn to roost on top of it, and then start looking for ways to fly out of the brooder from their pretty yellow launch zone. It happens a lot quicker than you'd think, too....

 

[Gypsy07]

Quote:
No, once you put it together it's solid. You can put the yellow hot-plate at three different levels, but you have to take it apart and put it back together again to change it. And it always sits flat. If the chicks want a cooler spot, they have to come out from under it. Just like a hen, really, including the 'you can't see the chicks' bit! I think it's probably good for them to be able to hide themselves away. Makes for a more boring brooder though...

 

[Gypsy07]

Quote:
Haha! Yeah, I caught one of mine trying to do that already. And they're only five days old!
Another day or so and I'll be moving them to a bigger brooder and putting a lid on them.

 

[wegotchickens]

Quote:
Haha! Yeah, I caught one of mine trying to do that already. And they're only five days old! Another day or so and I'll be moving them to a bigger brooder and putting a lid on them.

I am not at all surprised

I really like it for hatching chicks staggered, though. The little newborns can go under and not get picked on, and the big kids can hop up and mess around on top (and make messes on top, of course). When the little ones are ready to come out, the older chicks show them the feed & water.
Although it stinks not being able to see the little ones as easily, I'm sure it feels more natural to them to be warm and in the dark.

 

[gryeyes]

Oh, GREAT! Yet something else I want to buy now. Thank a whole bunch.