Chick Quicks, Episode 1: How to Use a Heat Plate

Welcome to Chick Quicks, a series that chronicles the lessons I've learned as a chicken keeper — all in 5 minutes or less! Many topics will be geared towards novices and smaller flocks, with links included throughout each article for additional reading.


Let's begin by discussing one of my favorite brooder accessories: the heat plate.

When would I use a heat plate over a heat lamp?

Heat lamps have their place in certain setups. However, if you're raising a small number of chicks in an environment that will reliably stay above 50-55° Fahrenheit (like the inside of your home), then I would strongly suggest trying a heat plate as a safer, lower energy, and more natural alternative to traditional heat lamps.

Can you elaborate on those benefits?

• Heat plates only reach about 120° Fahrenheit and are safe to the touch for chicks and the rogue piece of bedding. Not only does this make heat plates MUCH less of a fire hazard, but it reduces the risk of accidentally overheating your brood (which can cause lethargy, loose stools, and pasty butt). The lower temp also makes heat plates safe to use in plastic brooders, like a tote.
• I own multiple heat plate sizes that use between 15 and 66 watts/hour. Compare that to a 250 watt heat bulb!
• Finally, heat plates mimic how chicks would naturally behave with their brood hen. When the chicks are cold, they head under the plate to warm up. Otherwise, they are out eating and drinking at ambient temperature. It’s a misconception that chicks constantly need to be kept warm. Allowing them to acclimate to cooler temperatures can help your chicks to feather out faster and potentially increase their overall hardiness.

Which model do you recommend?

I prefer the plates made by Comfort Chicks. They are sold under different brand names, such as Premier 1, RentACoop, and My Favorite Chicken — all of which can be purchased online. The color of the legs can vary, but each has the same flat, black plate with an image of a broody hen and the word “Comfort” on top.

Consider the dimensions of your brooder (where bigger is almost always better) and choose a size that will comfortably fit with wiggle room on all sides for chicks to exit the plate without getting stuck.

Anti-roost cones can also be purchased for these models to keep the device clean.



How do I set it up?

Start by plugging the plate in for at least 1 hour before use. I like to ensure the heating element reaches between 115-125° Fahrenheit with a temperature gun. Keep in mind that the final temperature of the plate will be influenced by the temperature of the room that it's in.

The Comfort Chick plates have independently adjustable legs. This gives us a couple of setup options.

• If your chicks are the same size:
  Set the underside of the plate (ie. the heated metal portion, NOT the plastic lip) to match the height of their backs while standing. It’s important that the chicks can press up against the underside of the plate to warm themselves, if needed.
  
  
• If your chicks are different sizes:
  Set the front of the plate (the side chicks will most often exit) to match the back height of your TALLEST chick, then set the other side to match the back height of your SMALLEST chick. This creates a slant, which allows the chicks to choose where they are most comfortable.

Continue to adjust the plate height as your chicks grow.

How will I know my chicks are warm enough?

• Are the chicks peeping LOUDLY under the plate?
  The plate is probably too high.
  
  
• Are the chicks chattering softly under the plate?
  All is well. Chicks love to talk amongst themselves.
  
  
• Are the chicks lying down under the plate and/or completely silent?
  The height is perfect!
  
  
• Are the chicks lying just outside the heat plate?
  The plate is possibly too low.

I don't think a heat plate's going to work for me. What are some other options?

• Setting Up a Heat Lamp for Chicks: A Step-by-Step Guide
• Mama Heating Pad in the Brooder (Picture Heavy) - UPDATE

Thank you for reading! If you have questions, leave them in the comments section, and I'll be happy to answer. Up next... Episode 2: Brooders for the Unprepared!