Are heating plates really less risky than heat lamps?

[ChickenChick46]

Lol, no worries. Half the time I have no idea to whom I am responding!

Lol same!

 

[thecatumbrella]

If it's not short-circuiting, probably.

I'm a worry wort, and I've accidentally left heat plates on for weeks after the chicks move out. Sleep like a baby and don't notice a change in my electric bill.

That said, test your heat plate before use. Exchange for a different brand if it's running too hot or cool. You should be able to hold your hand against the underside with minimal discomfort.

 

[D Uccle Uncle]

I don't think this has been mentioned in this thread, but one benefit of a red heat lamp is that blood doesn't appear red. This would be helpful on the occasion when a chick has a wound so that it won't get picked at.

Of course, a practically-no-heat red LED bulb could be used for this purpose in an otherwise dark brooder. Basically no fire risk.

 

[ChickenChick46]

I don't think this has been mentioned in this thread, but one benefit of a red heat lamp is that blood doesn't appear red. This would be helpful on the occasion when a chick has a wound so that it won't get picked at.

Of course, a practically-no-heat red LED bulb could be used for this purpose in an otherwise dark brooder. Basically no fire risk.

That's really interesting, thank you!

 

[Debbie292d]

We use 100-watt black ceramic bulbs in a UL-approved holder. Installed professionally by my electrician husband, but anyone could do it just as well.

You'll see a night light plugged in too. With the bulb being black, that way it's not pitch black in there at night should I want to peek in on them.

 

[ChickenChick46]

We use 100-watt black ceramic bulbs in a UL-approved holder. Installed professionally by my electrician husband, but anyone could do it just as well.

You'll see a night light plugged in too. With the bulb being black, that way it's not pitch black in there at night should I want to peek in on them.

View attachment 4197233

What a nice setup!

 

[BigBlueHen53]

I don't think this has been mentioned in this thread, but one benefit of a red heat lamp is that blood doesn't appear red.

You mean ... blood foes not appear red under a red lamp, right?

This would be helpful on the occasion when a chick has a wound so that it won't get picked at.

Of course, a practically-no-heat red LED bulb could be used for this purpose in an otherwise dark brooder. Basically no fire risk.

But if it produces practically no heat ... what is the purpose?

 

[D Uccle Uncle]

You mean ... blood foes not appear red under a red lamp, right?

But if it produces practically no heat ... what is the purpose?

Correct, blood does not appear red. More like a black.

I mentioned the no-heat red LED for the circumstance when people using a heating plate (or blanket) might want a 'no' fire risk lighting option that conveys some benefit to a chick that has a wound showing blood.

 

[Debbie292d]

You mean ... blood foes not appear red under a red lamp, right?

But if it produces practically no heat ... what is the purpose?

In over 500 silkie chicks I hatched this year, never did one get injured or bloody. I really don't see the point either. If a chick was hurt, you pull it out.

Plus, pictures of chicks are always horrible in that lighting.

 

[Debbie292d]

Correct, blood does not appear red. More like a black.

I mentioned the no-heat red LED for the circumstance when people using a heating plate (or blanket) might want a 'no' fire risk lighting option that conveys some benefit to a chick that has a wound showing blood.

I'm not sure why a chick would have a wound showing blood in the first place. If they were still messy from hatching, they should still be in the incubator. If a chick gets an injury somehow, there's a problem with the brooder or setup, but you would pull that chick out and not leave it in there anyway.