Brooder plate height - opinions needed

[Ext 918]

My original brooder plate arrived today, it's a 16"x24". I lost a chick overnight and I'm pretty sure it's my fault. I had to order a brooder plate to make due with until the original arrived. I went with one that said it was for 20 chicks. It was not. She was in the middle and was crushed. I feel absolutely horrible for my mistake.

I wanted to get opinions on the plate height. They don't seem to be in one big bunch, so I'm hoping there won't be another crushing incident.

 

[Belacqua3610]

I’m on my first batch of chicks, so I am by no means an expert. I read it should be slightly above their backs when they are standing (with their heads down, not standing tall). I have mine higher in the front than the back, and have moved it up a click on each end every couple days. It looks a little low in your first picture, but that could be the angle of the photo. The second picture looks similar to mine.

 

[Ext 918]

I’m on my first batch of chicks, so I am by no means an expert. I read it should be slightly above their backs when they are standing (with their heads down, not standing tall). I have mine higher in the front than the back, and have moved it up a click on each end every couple days. It looks a little low in your first picture, but that could be the angle of the photo. The second picture looks similar to mine.View attachment 4061578

I have it slightly slanted. Both pictures were taken at the same time, but I'm also kneeling down and trying to get an even angle.

Now I'm paranoid, so I just went and checked on them. They were not piled up and seemed happy

Thank you so much for your input.

 

[FunnyFowlLady]

Have you overall been happy with the brooder plate? I just got my first one.....chicks hatch in 10 days. I want to make sure it works like it should and I know how to use it before they get here. I had wondered if crowding could be a problem? To the OP, is height the key to success?

 

[dearmeghann]

We're raising our first chicks this year (we got 8-week-old pullets last year). I was worried that the brooder plate would be more complicated, but honestly, what @Belacqua3610 said is exactly right. Since we have a couple of bantams, I definitely wanted to have a shorter side and a taller side.

My piece of advice is to make sure there's at least an inch or so around the brooder for the chicks to escape and not get crushed. Our ayam made a sad noise and got pushed to the back. We accidentally pushed the plate too close to the corner after cleaning the bedding, and he couldn't get out. Thankfully, we heard him, but I've been super cautious ever since.

Some days, I'll adjust based on the temperature. We're in NC, so it's like 50 one day and 85 the next. lol! I'm noticing the bigger chicks like to hang out on the sides, so they can get some warmth but still pop their heads out. (Another reason to make sure there's space around the plate).