EcoGlow 50 - the Larger Chick Brooder

I just ordered the EcoGlow 50, it was on sale for $109.99 and I used the coupon code "Whisper" (I had to call to get the code to work) and saved another $8; with shipping ($26) it came to $127.99.
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!

After the first dead chick, you should have called the company to complain. You should return it and use conventional methods. What a horrible thing to have happen and not cheap either.

How high did you have it set?

I've used both the small and large ones of these for years and never had that problem, did you have it set low enough, was your brooder in a sheltered area? Sorry to hear of your losses...

I have since used the big ecoglow by taking the legs off & hanging it like the sweeter heater, I think it works better that way.

I have found the sweeter heater to be a better solution, you can hang it easily & you can see the chicks easier.

I love my Eco-Glo brooder!

I've read that you can stretch some Glad Press-n-Seal on top to make for easy cleaning. Just peel it off and replace it every couple of days.

I haven't tried that yet, but I plan to.

Is there any chance the top could drop down and squash the babies? I stay up late thinking of things to worry about. It is pricey - does it have a good warranty>

The legs are sturdy. I can't see how it could possibly drop down.

It says specifically in manual not to cover with anything, so I haven't tried the Press n seal. I just used a scraper. Easy peasy.

No, the legs screw down a bit at a time. No squashing here.

I have always used heat lamps and always will. mis-used, anything can be dangerous. If your building is properly wired and you use the correct type of light reflector with a porcelain socket, it's elementary to keep the lights at the optimum distance from the chicks.
As always, just my opinion...based upon over 50 years of experience.

Here's an update as I am brooding another set of chicks. They are almost 3 weeks old and they go in and out from under it just like the first ones did. The ONLY issue is space as I only have 6 chicks this time and I really could have used the smaller one. I still don't use anything on top, I just scrape it off when cleaning the brooder.

PS...We have greatly enlarged our dairy goat program and we have several batteries of 3-lamp set ups for kids that are born in -0 F temps. We bottle feed all kids so they need the extra warmth for a few days when they are really young (according to my daughter).

I haven't seen anyone write about an EcoGlo 5000...for young kids...lolol might be a worthwhile project for the company to consider.

We have 8 kids and only two actual reports of "blowing up". I suspect said bulbs had a little help "blowing", I didn't personally witness the phenomena myself. Perhaps a little overzealous raking of the bedding? A little water on the bulb? I don't know. Shattered and scattered, for certain. We have a homemade brooder box with the light bulbs facing horizontally instead of hanging down vertically, so a bit easier for the kids to accidently aid in "blowing up". It was truly an unpleasant experience for them both times so I'm sure it wasn't intentional. I have been unfortunate, indeed, having only been raising chickens since 2012, whereas you've been using them for decades with only so much as the "lights out"! So far, the Eco Glow hasn't succumbed to any of their abuse or mine, for which I am extremely grateful.

You might suggest the EcoGlo 5000 to the company or run it by the Shark Tank people! Heaven knows with goats and chickens the extra money would be nice. LOL!

Thank you for taking the time to clarify that bulbs blow up far more rarely than I have been lead to believe. I am not one who enjoys remaining ignorant, if I can help it.

LOL! We have 8 "kids", as in children. Thought a clarification may be in order.

BTW I paid $159 for it at Amazon and it's still available for that price,

Has worked perfectly for me for 2 years. I love it, and the chicks get used to the day/night cycle.

I've raised many chicks under both sizes. Never had a problem.

I would love to toss my old heat lamps and get one of these