Brooder Heat Reccomendations?

[Doc Mumma]

So, read over the post and still didn’t see a definite answer. I have 30+ chicks coming in July. I need a good answer on what is the best heat source for my little one that is not the lamp style? I got lots of different chicks coming from Saipan Jungle birds, Marans, Yokohama‘s, Batam Phoenixes, d’uccles, Batam Easter Eggers, Egyptian Fayoumis, Splash Sumatra’s, Lakeshore (Legbar cross-olive eggers).
I have some time to research it, but any suggestions to help narrow down my search would be most appreciated. Thank you. Doc Mumma

 

[Alex S]

Anyone have any recommendations for brooder heat? I only need something that would work for 5 chicks in a cardboard brooder. I don't really plan on getting any more chicks after these five. Ideally I'd want a plate heater, but those are way too expensive. I considered using one of the DIY heaters with heating pads, but the only heating pads we have shut off automatically after an hour. Everything I find is either too expensive, dangerous, or doesn't get hot enough.

For 5 chicks that's a 10x10 brooder plate, on rentacoop.com there's the one used for $42.95 Shipping and fees included. I don't know if you can afford that or not but I feel like rentacoop sells brooder plates at a decent price.

 

[Doc Mumma]

Alex S.

Thank you for the link to rentacoop. I found something for my brooder other than using my heating lamp. I have used the lamp 4 times before and one time the lamp shattered. If I had not been home at the time I hate to think what could have happened.

 

[Kazzandra]

Tractor supply has some REALLY affordable brooder plates..

https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/catalog/brooders?cm_sp=LP-_-Chick+Days-_-Brooders

The Amazon ones..

https://smile.amazon.com/s?k=heat+plate+for+chicks&crid=1GC87PUSPZOXD&sprefix=heat+plate,aps,387&ref=nb_sb_ss_ts-doa-p_1_10

I just bought and set up the Tractor Supply Plate wanting to finally break free from infrared lights and what worries me is just how chilly my thermometer is measuring it as on ground level: at 83 (edit: was using a faulty thermometer) for day old chicks?

But the chicks seem fine and aren't peeping loudly and have been eating normally. I know it works more like a broody but should I be concerned about temps under the lamp? Got it on the second height setting for for day old standards.

 

[rosemarythyme]

I just bought and set up the Tractor Supply Plate wanting to finally break free from infrared lights and what worries me is just how chilly my thermometer is measuring it as on ground level: at 83 (edit: was using a faulty thermometer) for day old chicks?

But the chicks seem fine and aren't peeping loudly and have been eating normally. I know it works more like a broody but should I be concerned about temps under the lamp? Got it on the second height setting for for day old standards.

You can't go by air temperature under a heat plate, as the plates are intended for the chicks to be right up against them in order to warm up. Since the chicks aren't making distress sounds and are behaving normally, the plate sounds like it's warm enough and positioned properly for their use.