Brooder Plate

[Sbatts9073]

I am borrowing a Producer’s Pride brand brooder plate from a friend but it doesn’t have directions with it. We have new baby chicks (and our first experience with any). I placed the brooder on the tallest height setting. On the lower one, the chicks could touch the bottom side, which was SO hot.. burnt my finger hot.

The remote has 2 settings on it - “I” and “II”. I began it in “II”. Some chicks laid under it, others off to the side of it. Then I placed a thermometer under and it said 102*!! I turned it to “I” but it wasn’t cooling down any. I now have it off to try to cool
It down before trying it on setting “I” again. Any insight on what to do?!? Am I just really over thinking this? I don’t want to cook the chicks, nor freeze them.

 

[Al Capon]

The chicks actually push up against the plate for warmth. You might make it higher in the front and lower in the back to accommodate chicks of different height. They're smart enough to get off the plate when warm. And if they're not, you wouldn't want them anyway...

 

[Sbatts9073]

The chicks actually push up against the plate for warmth. You might make it higher in the front and lower in the back to accommodate chicks of different height. They're smart enough to get off the plate when warm. And if they're not, you wouldn't want them anyway...

Thanks! It cooled down and I turned it back on at setting “I”. Now it’s up to 97* under there. They are all sleeping happily under it. Should I be concerned with the higher temp? I don’t want to be up all night worrying if they’re over heated and/or turning the plate on & off all night. If it matters, their brooder is inside right now. I plan on moving it to the garage next week when it gets a little warmer.

 

[Criticalicious]

The heating plate is nice because you don't have to worry about the temperature much at all, if any. The chicks will decide whether they feel hot or cold. I second the suggestion to make the front lower than the back. So long as they can get close to the heat source, they will regulate temps on their own. The plate is nice compared to a heat lamp, because (a) not a fire hazard usually and (b) it simulates a mama hen. Chicks with a mama will run around until they get chilled then run under mama to get warmed up. Same idea with the heating plate. You'll know if they're chilled if you hear screaming.

 

[Sbatts9073]

E4E10C60-DE9A-424B-A47F-74A952C322F9

• Sbatts9073
• Mar 31, 2019

This is them currently. So I should lower it and not really worry about the temp?

 

[Al Capon]

If they're happy for a few hours, they'll probably be happy all night. You want to listen for the distress peep. You'll know it when you hear it. That's when you'll need to investigate.

I've got a Brinsea that doesn't have a setting, just plug it in and forget it. They stay under it when cool, otherwise they run around.

I've got a Premier also that I haven't had the chance to use. It seemed a lot warmer to the touch than the Brinsea. I bought a variable switch for it but haven't had a chance to use it either.

 

[Criticalicious]

Yes, I would set the front legs about half an inch to an inch above their heads and the back a little higher. During the day, they will run around, eat/drink, then run under to warm up, and then back out again. At night, they'll cuddle up together under the plate to stay warm. If you're concerned about it being too hot, be sure it's set up at one end of the brooder or with space all around it. If anyone is too hot, they'll move.

 

[Al Capon]

E4E10C60-DE9A-424B-A47F-74A952C322F9

• Sbatts9073
• Mar 31, 2019

This is them currently. So I should lower it and not really worry about the temp?

I'd lower it a little bit, maybe in the back so they can touch up against it. Remember, they push up against momma hen, that's what's natural.

**Make sure they have an exit, preferably around all 4 sides so they can get out of the heat if necessary.** I had some chicks in a small container once and only one side of the plate was accessible, almost had a bad experience.

 

[Sbatts9073]

Thanks ladies! Shew I didn’t think I’d be this worried about these babies! It is towards one end of the brooder, but up against one end and one side of it. I’ll lower the back and leave the front higher. Thank you again!

 

[Sbatts9073]

I'd lower it a little bit, maybe in the back so they can touch up against it. Remember, they push up against momma hen, that's what's natural.

**Make sure they have an exit, preferably around all 4 sides so they can get out of the heat if necessary.** I had some chicks in a small container once and only one side of the plate was accessible, almost had a bad experience.

I will try to move it out some on the other 2 sides. I didn’t realize it was so big. They are in a big Rubbermaid container, 42” long.