Brisnea Ecoglow 20 heat plate

[BluebirdHomestead]

Hey there,

I have been given some really great advice on another thread of mine regarding this, and I’ve been exploring all of my options but I’d love to hear from someone who used the brisnea Ecoglow 20. My question is how many chicks did you use it with and for how long. I’m getting 9 chicks and want to make sure I’m not making a mistake. I am also looking at the bigger plates from Premier 1 and Rentacoop but they have reviews saying they get way too hot and that worries me.

Thanks!

 

[ChickenCanoe]

I haven't used the Brinsea. However I have the small and the extra small Premier 1 heat plates and I have nothing but good to say about them. I think the extra small would be sufficient for 9 chicks.

 

[Ted_Harrell]

Just went and had a look at these from premier 1, I might have to invest in one of these or in the brinsea before spring, when I start hatching again...

 

[ChickenCanoe]

I fought the temptation to invest in the Premier 1 plates for a while, especially since I had already built 2 big Ohio brooders. I thought I didn't need to spend the money. Then I did the math and realized a heat plate would pay for itself in electric savings in just over one brooding. The plates won't brood 100 chicks at a time like my homemade Ohio brooders but I usually don't brood that many at a time.

 

[BluebirdHomestead]

I fought the temptation to invest in the Premier 1 plates for a while, especially since I had already built 2 big Ohio brooders. I thought I didn't need to spend the money. Then I did the math and realized a heat plate would pay for itself in electric savings in just over one brooding. The plates won't brood 100 chicks at a time like my homemade Ohio brooders but I usually don't brood that many at a time.

Which size do you have and how many chicks?

 

[BluebirdHomestead]

Which size do you have and how many chicks?

Oh I see your comment above now. I’m looking at the 12x12 one...

 

[ChickenCanoe]

I highly recommend the plastic covers. Otherwise the chicks will end up roosting and pooping on it.
I also recommend ordering extra legs. I've had one or two break and they don't work well on 3 legs. They are $3.80 each. Get two and they should last forever unless you handle it roughly.
I may still use one of my Ohio brooders if I have a big hatch, but maybe I'll bite the bullet and buy a large Premier1. Then I could sell my Ohio brooders to someone else. I was proud of them but they are definitely old school.
I have two old Sportman incubators and a Sportsman hatcher in addition to my homemade cabinet and my Little Giant embryo executioner. So I can see the day when I need much more brooder space on a regular basis.

 

[BluebirdHomestead]

I highly recommend the plastic covers. Otherwise the chicks will end up roosting and pooping on it.
I also recommend ordering extra legs. I've had one or two break and they don't work well on 3 legs. They are $3.80 each. Get two and they should last forever unless you handle it roughly.
I may still use one of my Ohio brooders if I have a big hatch, but maybe I'll bite the bullet and buy a large Premier1. Then I could sell my Ohio brooders to someone else. I was proud of them but they are definitely old school.
I have two old Sportman incubators and a Sportsman hatcher in addition to my homemade cabinet and my Little Giant embryo executioner. So I can see the day when I need much more brooder space on a regular basis.

Wow sounds like you have quite the set up!!! Great suggestion about the extra legs.

 

[BluebirdHomestead]

Anyone else? Anyone ever brooded 9 chicks or more with the Ecoglow 20?

 

[dougieee]

I have a titan brooder at 30 x 30 cm and that comfortably held 18 chicks, by the time they were getting a bit bigger and over spilling the sides they were virtually fledged anyway.
Im not sure of the size of the brinsea but that should give you an idea.