Brinsea Ecoglow chick brooder - one BIG flaw!

[Dahlisgrams]

Thanks for the tip. I'm sorry you had to learn the hard way.

 

[4stakes]

Hi, we are getting 15 chicks the middle of February. We are looking to buy a Brinsea brooder. Looks like $69.99 + 5.00 shipping is the best price. Anyone find them cheaper?

Kevin

 

[tick22]

Has anyone tried a paper towel on top of this unit. I am asking because I am thinking of getting one and everyone has complained of the poop on top of it. Sorry If I missed the answer if given before.

 

[ChristineR]

No, you could try it, though. I think it would be difficult to keep the paper towels from getting torn up. By the time they're old enough to jump up there, they're old enough to scratch and peck at paper. It would get all soggy from duckling poop, too.

I just thoroughly clean it after I'm done. It cleans up pretty well. One thing I wish they hadn't done is put a raised logo on the top. Crud gets stuck in the letters. It would be a lot easier to wipe clean if it was a smooth surface.

 

[Happy Chooks]

Has anyone tried a paper towel on top of this unit. I am asking because I am thinking of getting one and everyone has complained of the poop on top of it. Sorry If I missed the answer if given before.

It's really not necessary. Once the poop dries, you can scrape most of it off, then some windex and it cleans up really easily.

 

[tick22]

Thanks folks for the replies.

 

[4stakes]

Were do you put the Ecoglow in the brooder? In the middle or along the wall?

Thanks, Kevin

 

[ChristineR]

In the middle so they can easily get out if they get too hot. Especially when they're very young. I don't think it really matters once they know where everything is and can get around really well.

 

[SunnySkies]

I put contact paper on top of mine. Peel it off when the chicks don't need it any more and toss.

I would suggest beng sure the ambient temperature is 40-50. I had some chicks in the early winter in a brooder box with it in the garage. We had a cold snap when they were about 3 weeks old, down into the 20s, and one chick was found dead one morning under it at the edge, and I suspected it had gotten too cold. I moved the box elsewhere, but I wish I hadn't lost that one baby

I love mine. Heat lamps freak me out; I worry my kids will knock it over and start a fire or touch the lamp and be burned, but I don't worry with the Eco.

 

[ChristineR]

The contact paper is a great idea! I'm going to do that next time.