Do shipped chicks need a heat lamp or is a plate okay?

[christinefedje]

I will be getting 4 buff orpingtons chicks shipped to me mid May. I'm in ND and the average high is around 70, lows around 45. I plan on keeping them in the garage (unheated, small) in a kids play pen or dog crate, not sure yet. Is a brooder plate sufficient? I really don't want to use a heat lamp, they scare the crap out of me (fire hazard).

 

[JacinLarkwell]

Lamp. They're too chilled to use a heat plate. You can switch to a plate in a week or so when they're alert and not having to choose between heat and food