Pros: Uses radiant heat to keep chicks warm. Adjustable heights. Saves in electricity and no risk of fire.
Cons: Can't see chicks underneath.
I own both sizes of the Brinsea EcoGlow Chick Brooder and I love them and highly recommend them to everyone interested in raising baby chicks. Not only did I save on electricity, but I didn't have to worry about pine shavings or paper towels catching on fire. The EcoGlow is easy to clean and set up. No need to worry about adjusting heat lamps every week. Chicks go under the EcoGlow when they are cold and come out when they are hungry, thirsty, or want to play.
The EcoGlow 20 was $59.99 and the EcoGlow 50 was $129.99.
I got the 50 for two reasons. First, the 20 is out of stock til late March, second with the 50 you can take the legs off on one side to lower it. I breed mostly bantys so this is good.
Last year I nearly had a fire. My heat lamp fell. Fortunately, it fell straight down, so the reflector was on the floor. It burned through the bedding, the bottom of the tote and charred the floor, but because of the way it fell, there was no O2 to make flames. This year I don't have to worry about that!