Chick Heating Method (Radiant Heat)

[RoosterML]

They would be less able to regulate their 'comfortable place' by how far from the heat they are.
On the pad too hot, off the pad too cold.
Under a pad or plate, best set at an angle, allows them to choose the best spot.

I would say they would find there "comfortable place" while the most heat would be directly over the plate itself the farther you move away from the plate the less heat. Its not like the heat would just stop once they are off the plate. Thats why the box above would need to be bigger than the plate itself allowing them to find that perfect temp. Most plates I've seen have been shown flat, under plate they get heat once no longer under no more heat. I would think that comfort zone is less with a plate from above.

 

[RoosterML]

How's this for an example and please tell me if I am wrong.
Let's use a 24"x 24" dimension for both MHP and over head plate set at an angle. At an angle you only have that line or row of the comfort zone of 24" wide. With radiant from underneath you have the whole outter perimeter as your comfort zone totaling 96" of comfort zone. Agree?

 

[aart]

I would then cover the whole thing with a cardboard box something around the size of 24"x24" with one end open for the chicks to go in and out. This will give them some area still inside the "cave" but not having to be over the heated area.

The MHP has been made as a 'cave' shape, rather than the flat configuration that I prefer, with all 4 side available as egress. Chicks can get trapped and over-heat in a cave type setup...I don't think that's a good idea, but many others do. Go for it, might work just fine for you, will be curious to see how it goes for you.

 

[RoosterML]

The MHP has been made as a 'cave' shape, rather than the flat configuration that I prefer, with all 4 side available as egress. Chicks can get trapped and over-heat in a cave type setup...I don't think that's a good idea, but many others do. Go for it, might work just fine for you, will be curious to see how it goes for you.

Thats a good point about potentially being trapped. In reality I don't think you even need a box. You are not heating the air with this setup just the objects above and around it. I was thinking the box would make the chicks feel more comfortable having a nest type of object to go into. To address your concern i don't see why a nice opening couldn't be made on all four sides just leaving legs in the corners for support.It more to just providing them a hide out.
Wish I was ready for chicks.
I will be sure to document the build. I was going to make the aluminum today but was crappy weather.

 

[aart]

Wish I was ready for chicks.

I thought you already had a elevated heat pad setup?
Do you have chicks on the way....incubated, broody, shipped??

 

[RoosterML]

I thought you already had a elevated heat pad setup?
Do you have chicks on the way....incubated, broody, shipped??

Yeah I have everything I need. Just not right time of year. I don't want to be stuck keeping them inside after the first few weeks

 

[aart]

Yeah I have everything I need. Just not right time of year. I don't want to be stuck keeping them inside after the first few weeks

Oh, I see....you wish it was chick time now!
It sure feels like spring around here lately.

 

[RoosterML]

Oh, I see....you wish it was chick time now!
It sure feels like spring around here lately.

Yep I sure do. With 2018 being I believe the 4th wettest year on record I'm ready for a good freeze. Tired or walking around in a mud pit and I'm sure the chooks are too.

 

[RoosterML]

@aart what do you think the initial target temp should be for the floor area above the heater. I'm thinking 95° and the chicks can move off the plate as needed to find their preferred temp.

 

[aart]

@aart what do you think the initial target temp should be for the floor area above the heater. I'm thinking 95° and the chicks can move off the plate as needed to find their preferred temp.

When I use a lamp I adjust so floor temp is about 80-90°F on the first day after hatch, watching the chicks behavior then adjusting accordingly(I use a dimmer extension cord for adjustment of lamp heat output).

But that is not the same as what you are theorizing.
Not sure how that will work with a plate/pad on the floor, as I said earlier.
Pad is warm, floor off pad-not so much...how much, you'll have to test.