Are heat plates really not for mail order chicks?

[Trishc100]

When I have had shipped chicks, I have always used heat lamps in the first day, and I have only used heat lamps or broody hens after that. So I have no direct experience with brooder plates or with heating pad caves. But I have read quite a bit about them, paying attention to what good and bad experiences people post, and trying to understand why they get the different results.

Thank you Nat! I have ordered my first chicks ever and they are little Bantam girls who probably will need a little extra. Your explanation really helped me understand their needs! I wish the hatcheries explained things as well as you do. I’ll be getting a heat lamp ASAP in anticipation of their delivery. They say thank you too!!!