The biggest advantage for me is that it leaves the natural day/night cycle in balance. The plate, or in my case, a DIY version of a plate, also provides a “safe place” for my chicks during integration. Both of these are important to me because my brooder is in the coop by the time the chicks are...
Sounds like pasty butt and stress are getting them. I check butts at least twice a day for the first week, and for the first 24 hours chicks get water with Sav-A-Chick in it. I usually give them Sav-A-Chick water again at around 4 days old for 24 hours just to be safe if it is cold outside...