Chicks staying under heater plate

[Chicken_Chick12]

Hi, I recently bought a heater plate because I kept hearing how it was better for the chicks, the plate is large and seems to take up most of their area but they still have some room to come out, if they want. The plate is at a Dow yard angle, does it seem ok for them to be able to touch the plate if they get close enough? Thank you!

 

[BarnyardChaos]

What is a "Dow yard angle"?
If you mean it's at an angle, you have done right. You want one end (or side) lower than the other, so the chicks can choose exactly the right place to get warm. The center should be approximately the height of a chick's back standing up, so that they can press their backs against the plate if they need to - but don't have to stretch up nor scoot down either. Most of the time they'll lay down under it and the warmth will be enough. But if they get chilled, they'll stand up and press their backs to it.

In a few days, they'll start climing on top of it. So I'd tape some paper towels or newspaper to it for easier cleanup.

 

[3KillerBs]

Welcome to BYC.

Could you show us some photos of your setup? (And your chicks -- because we LOVE photos of cute chicks!)

The chicks need room in their brooder to be under their plate and to be away from it when they need to cool off.