Brinsea Eco Glow not warm enough?

[Shesinthebarn]

Hi there!

I am going to pick up my first ever chicks tomorrow! I have my brooder set up, including the Eco glow. It is plugged in and running, but the temperature under the brooder is only about 78 degrees. I am nervous that it is not working properly? Does anyone else use the Eco glow? Any insights?
I bought this unit to avoid using a heat lamp but I might not have a choice!
Thanks for any advice...I am a nervous new chicken mama!

 

[donrae]

My understanding is the Ecoglow doesn't radiate heat like a lamp does, so the temp under it isn't really that high. The chicks need to contact the plate with their backs to get the heat, just like with a broody momma hen. Be sure to have it on the lowest height. Feel the bottom of the plate with your hand, it should be cozy warm to touch.

There are a few threads here about using the Ecoglow and the Premier plate, if folks with more experience don't reply here you might read through those threads.

 

[mcc76]

I am on day 12 with my chicks and use one of these. They've been absolutely fine...I moved it on day 7 up to the next level and all seem happy. If they seem settled under it, it probably is warm enough?

 

[Shesinthebarn]

Oh thanks so much. It is nice and warm to the touch, the thermometer placed underneath now fluctuates between 32-33 degrees. I will certainly scour those threads! I am so excited about my chicks today!!

 

[Matt J]

I have been using the Ecoglow for about 3-4 weeks now. No problems at all. I have 12 chicks in my brooder with the Ecoglow 20 and they all seem to use it well. I haven't temped under it, but I made sure it was low enough (lowest setting) so that their backs contacted the plate. When I first put it in the brooder, I had to place them under it so they knew what it was, but after that all was fine. The larger chicks seem to congregate just outside the heat, and the smaller ones go all the way under. I am really pleased with how it has worked, and love having peace of mind about fires.

 

[ansky225]

I haven't set up my brooder yet. I was searching on the forums to find what lamp is suggested. Thanks