Brooder Heating Plate vs Infrared Bulb

[KikiLeigh02]

When you're brooding chicks do you prefer the heating plate or a lamp with an infrared bulb? Can you tell me why? We used the lamp with the infrared bulb for the last, but the next round I'm going have about 26 chicks instead of 8.

 

[le_bwah]

I only have experience with quail under a heating plate, but I love it. The birds have more control over their temperature, and it gives them a place to shelter when they needed the security. Because you can raise the plate, you're able to wean them off the heat as early as possible. My 1ft square plate is just about cozy for 10 young quail who want to nap under it together, but I can see 26 chicks getting cramped fast. Most brands exaggerate how many birds they can heat comfortably at once.

 

[KikiLeigh02]

Thank you! I was looking at the 16 x 24 that says it can accomodate 50. I'll have the infrared as back-up if needed.

 

[alexa009]

I'd probably do heating plate but that's up to you depending on the size of the infrared bulb, but I don't know if a regular infrared bulb would heat 26 chicks.

 

[The Farmers' Daughter]

I've got a plate and love it. The birds can choose how much or how little heat they want. They harden faster that way. I've been putting 3 week old chicks outside with no heat at all thanks to the plate, and they're thriving.
No problems with pasty butt either.

 

[KikiLeigh02]

Thank you! The only thing I read that made me wonder was that the red light helps deter pecking if one of them gets an injury.

 

[Redhead Rae]

I have 2 of the premier 1 plates. A 20 chick plate for brooding inside and a 50 chick plate for brooding outside. I never looked back, for several reasons

1. Using a heater plate gets the chicks used to day/night cycles
2. They won't make your chicks too hot
3. It allows chicks to harden to the ambient temps much quicker, like being under a mama hen
4. There is MUCH less fire risk than with a bulb (I actually almost had a coop fire once because my chickens knocked the light over into the pine shavings).

I would recommend Premier 1's plates over Brinsea for a couple reasons.

• They are less expensive
• Are rated to work at lower ambient temps (I've had mine work well in the teens F, Brinsea works best at 45F or higher).
• Brinsea plates have caused fires in the last few years

 

[KikiLeigh02]

Thank you! The one I was looking at is Premier. I like them because they have the cover and you can get an external temperature control so you can raise it and lower the temperature as they get bigger. Do you think the 50 chick brooder would handle 26 chicks? Plus whatever extras I'm sure they'll send.

 

[Redhead Rae]

Thank you! The one I was looking at is Premier. I like them because they have the cover and you can get an external temperature control so you can raise it and lower the temperature as they get bigger. Do you think the 50 chick brooder would handle 26 chicks? Plus whatever extras I'm sure they'll send.

It will definitely handle that many. I would trust it with as many as 40 chicks until they feather out.

 

[Redhead Rae]

And yes, I got covers for both mine. Though I've heard from some people that they use Glad Press-n-seal on the top so they could set premier's chick nipple waterers on top to prevent the water freezing but keep the plates clean