Brinsea Eco glow help

[ihavechicks]

Just a quick question, how do I get my babies to go under the heater? I tried to put them user it & they just run away. I just picked the babies up at the post office this morning so they are still really skittish.

 

[Firekin1]

It could be because you're standing there and it makes them nervous, but it could also be that it's too hot.

 

[ihavechicks]

I have it on the middle level. They seem like they are cold, they keep pileing up in the corner.

 

[Firekin1]

I have it on the middle level. They seem like they are cold, they keep pileing up in the corner.

You need a thermometer at chick height to know how hot it is, if they're baby day old to a week old chicks they need it about 98F,

 

[scootchick]

Is the ambient temperature where the chicks are kept 60 degrees or greater (including overnight)? If not, in my experience, you will need a traditional heat lamp for at least the first week if you have day old chicks.

If your brooder is in your house or someplace over 60 degrees, lower the Ecoglow to the lowest level; their backs need to be able to make contact with the warming surface. If they still seem cold take one side out of the black side piece so it's uneven but they can touch it. Gently place them underneath and they will get the idea eventually.

You need a thermometer at chick height to know how hot it is, if they're baby day old to a week old chicks they need it about 98F, 

Traditional thermometers don't work that well with the Ecoglow so you really have to watch the chicks' behavior closely.

 

[Firekin1]

Is the ambient temperature where the chicks are kept 60 degrees or greater (including overnight)? If not, in my experience, you will need a traditional heat lamp for at least the first week if you have day old chicks.

If your brooder is in your house or someplace over 60 degrees, lower the Ecoglow to the lowest level; their backs need to be able to make contact with the warming surface. If they still seem cold take one side out of the black side piece so it's uneven but they can touch it. Gently place them underneath and they will get the idea eventually.
Traditional thermometers don't work that well with the Ecoglow so you really have to watch the chicks' behavior closely.

Honestly, never heard of an Ecoglow, figured it was some brand of light (since there seems to be so many really). Knew the chicks were sounding cold but sounded like they were too hot at the light source...lol

 

[scootchick]

Honestly, never heard of an Ecoglow, figured it was some brand of light (since there seems to be so many really). Knew the chicks were sounding cold but sounded like they were too hot at the light source...lol 

The Ecoglow is a really useful device that poses a lot less risk of fire than a heat lamp, but it does take some getting used to! The chicks need to be able to touch the heated plate in order to get the most warmth from it. The second level that the OP is referring to is what I'm using for 3 week old pullets so I know that day old babies are not going to get enough warmth from it.

 

[donrae]

I think the advice to lower the plate is spot-on. Sounds like it's too high and they're not getting enough heat from it. I know folks think it's too low, but when you consider a broody hen sits on the ground, it's pretty much the same thing.

Hoping someone gifts me with an Ecoglow this gift-giving season