Brooder Plate Questions

[MDBird]

I tried searching around but couldn't find much about using brooder plates with Quails and was just wondering if anyone was doing it successfully. If you are could you tell me which plate and with how many chicks. Also Im wondering what the lowest height it will need to be. The one available at my local TSC only has three height adjustments and is marketed towards chickens, so wanted to be sure it would go low enough. Thank you for your help

 

[AgnesGray]

I use this one for chicks, ducks, and guineas: https://www.amazon.com/RentACoop-Chick-Heating-Plate-Kit/dp/B07DLFD6GY There are a couple different sizes. I have this one that is 10x10.

25 easily adjustable height settings (from 1" - 7")

 

[FloorCandy]

I use the rent a coop brand, it has like 20 or more height settings that vary about 2-3 MM each in height. I use it very successfully with quail and have had up to 19 quail under the 10 x 10, and I currently have 14 under it right now. It can probably handle 25 or more with no problem. I do wish I had bought the 12 x 12 in case I want to have a very large hatch.

I put the front legs one setting taller than the back, so they can choose the height and heat that’s most comfortable for them. I’m very happy with it, and I have a heat light for backup, but I prefer the plate, and I think the chicks do too.

I raise it every couple days, and by 2 weeks they don’t need it anymore.

 

[MDBird]

@FloorCandy Thank you so much for all of the pictures and information. Sounds like I will be better suited finding a plate more adjustments. Do you have a picture or link to a post that shows how you have your brooder setup with the plate and lamp. Also wondering if you go with the 250w lamp or something a little lower.

 

[FloorCandy]

@FloorCandy Thank you so much for all of the pictures and information. Sounds like I will be better suited finding a plate more adjustments. Do you have a picture or link to a post that shows how you have your brooder setup with the plate and lamp. Also wondering if you go with the 250w lamp or something a little lower.

I don’t use the light and lamp at the same time, in fact for my previous runt I had to figure out how to setup the light with nothing to hang it from, I ended up putting a spare length of pvc into a small bucket of sand next to the brooder, and I hung it from that using a clothes hanger. It looked like a Rube Goldberg contraption. I didn’t take a picture, but I wish I did.

That is the light setup I use when I have a sick one or runt that needs alone time. 19 inches from the floor kept it at about 99 degrees.

 

[FloorCandy]

@FloorCandy Thank you so much for all of the pictures and information. Sounds like I will be better suited finding a plate more adjustments. Do you have a picture or link to a post that shows how you have your brooder setup with the plate and lamp. Also wondering if you go with the 250w lamp or something a little lower.

I can’t say enough good things about rent a coop brand. I used to order large quantities of hemp bedding from them, but I don’t think they offer it thru amazon any more. I also buy their brand water nipples and have been very happy with them.

 

[AgnesGray]

I can’t say enough good things about rent a coop brand. I used to order large quantities of hemp bedding from them, but I don’t think they offer it thru amazon any more. I also buy their brand water nipples and have been very happy with them.

Same. I have the Rent-a-coop brooder plate and the one from TSC and prefer the RAC plate, even though it is smaller.

 

[MDBird]

The other plate I was going to go with was the one from TSC. So far I'm following your lead going with the NR360 incubator, so I guess I might as well follow the advice for the plate lol. I thought I recall reading with some plates you should use a temperature controller to lower the plate temp. Is this needed with the RAC plate or just plug it in and good to go.

 

[FloorCandy]

The other plate I was going to go with was the one from TSC. So far I'm following your lead going with the NR360 incubator, so I guess I might as well follow the advice for the plate lol. I thought I recall reading with some plates you should use a temperature controller to lower the plate temp. Is this needed with the RAC plate or just plug it in and good to go.

I don’t have the controller thing, I just plug n go

 

[FloorCandy]

I don’t have the controller thing, I just plug n go

I think just having one side slightly higher than the other gives them the temp control they need, they can go to the side with the plate closer or further.