Brooder heat plates

[Prairie Chic]

I've been researching heat plates for brooding chicks. Amazon sells a few different brands. Anyone have experience or recommendations? Wondering if they're all basically the same or if some are better then others.
TIA

 

[Percheron chick]

I have used a Sweeter Heater for about 5 years raising multiple batches every year. I think it's 30". Expensive? Yes but it keeps 15 warm until they are off heat. The small 10x10 look like they might work for 3-4 max. It has paid for itself over time. I was underwhelmed by their customer service and thankfully I found one on CL but I will buy another when this one bites the dust.

 

[Prairie Chic]

That one looks amazing. Embarrassing to admit but yeah it's gonna be beyond my means I'm afraid.
I'm starting from scratch with everything so need to be budget minded. Maybe I'll get lucky with CL. I've been checking once or twice a day for anything poultry related and also getting a feel for what chickens seem available in my area and their prices.

 

[Percheron chick]

If you're on a budget, just go with a heat lamp. We all started there.
I've also picked up a one time used GQF brooder for $50. Like you say, just keep cruising CL, FB marketplace and eBay.

 

[Alaskan]

If you have an old fashioned heating pad... the kind that does NOT have an auto-turn off, those work perfect for chicks.

 

[aart]

Beware the plate manufacturers give inaccurate numbers for the number of chicks it will keep.
I've done 16 max with my 12x24 DIY.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/pseudo-brooder-heater-plate.67729/

 

[Prairie Chic]

If you're on a budget, just go with a heat lamp. We all started there.
I've also picked up a one time used GQF brooder for $50. Like you say, just keep cruising CL, FB marketplace and eBay.

Yeah we had poultry growing up and always used heat lamps. I'm not against them and may end up going that route. Looking at getting more modern I suppose. Also plan to brood indoors so thought the plates may be a better option.
My little one will be involved so plate seems a little safer option with that also.

If you have an old fashioned heating pad... the kind that does NOT have an auto-turn off, those work perfect for chicks.

Also could be an option. I am familiar with that. Learned it here with many other things.

Beware the plate manufacturers give inaccurate numbers for the number of chicks it will keep.
I've done 16 max with my 12x24 DIY.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/pseudo-brooder-heater-plate.67729/

Thanks for the heads up. Guess they figured if the china coops could get away with it they could also.

Thank you all for the helpful replies.

 

[Percheron chick]

Just saw a Cozy heat plate for $30 on Denver CL. Too bad it's not closer.

 

[TheAlrightyGina]

I'm thinking of trying seed warming pads with a thermostat once I'm done using them to start seeds. They're relatively inexpensive, water proof, and can be left on. With a thermostat you can adjust the temperature, you'd just need to make sure that the probe couldn't be moved.

 

[AOrchard]

I use a heated pet bed for outdoor use from the local farm store. Put it in the bottom of a cardboard box, cut off flaps, cut a door in the side, and flip over. Whalla!

Heat lamps are cheap to buy but use 250W of electric, which translates to around $30 of electricity if used 24/7 for one month. Heating pads use less than a tenth of that.