Heating pad vs Heating pate

[bellaisa]

I live in Central Illinois. I am going to get 6 new chicks in March and it can still be below freezing. Will i still need a heat lamp with the new heat source? Last year I brooded in my sun room with a heat lamp. This year I hope to have the chicks in a look but don't touch brooder in my coop so they are with the older hens from the beginning.
1) Will the heating pad or plate keep the chicks warm enough if it gets below freezing? My coop is not insulated. It is a converted shed; which was bough new for chickens; no drafts.
2) What are benefits/problems with each method?
I appreciate any advise. Please also include the brand that you prefer.

Thanks

 

[IdyllwildAcres]

I used a premier heat plate and temps dropped into the teens, I opted for the plate because I did not want to make the MHP cave, by the time you get a quality heating pad its not much more to buy the plate. My girls weened themselves off the heat at 4 weeks, they were in the coop from day one. Either is better than a lamp, much less danger of fire.

Gary

 

[Folly's place]

I've always used CAREFULLY attached heat lamps, but the Premier brooder plate is a very good product, and should work well. Call the company and ask; they are a terrific source of information. Mary

 

[debid]

Either way will work. I liked that my MHP could be arched to suit varying heights. I set it on high and made sure to block drafts so they could sleep in still air. I also positioned their water close enough that the water didn't freeze.

ETA: It was February in TN when I did this so upper teens to low 80s. One setup suited that whole range without messing around with switching bulbs as I had to do to keep from overheating the space when I used bulbs. So much easier.

 

[bellaisa]

Thanks. One of my main concerns was if it would be warm enough if the temps went below freezing. It sounds like it will. I am leaning towards the heating plate.

 

[April Barta]

I used both to see what the chicks preferred. Most preferred the plate surprisingly. I did end up with a weak chick and removed the MHP to a separate brooder with the baby and weaned her back after a day. I only use the plate because its truly less hassle. The MHP has fabric that the pine shavings stick to. The plate is easily adjustable. I got mine on Amazon and I have the front a little higher than the back so my big babies and be as comfortable as my banty babies who get the back. Although, we are just finishing week 2 of life and they tend to all huddle around the edges of the plate or even one night they slept out of it all together but huddled together in a cuddle puddle. It was adorable! I think you are going to succeed either way if those are your options!

 

[debid]

Thanks. One of my main concerns was if it would be warm enough if the temps went below freezing. It sounds like it will. I am leaning towards the heating plate.

Just pay attention to the wattage and you'll be fine. The EcoGlow has that 50F ambient temperature warning because it's only 18W for the 20 chick size which is a fraction of the 50W the Premier pulls.

The biggest flaw the Premier has, IMO, is the lack of a controller. When people put one in an already heated human house, it's really more than they need and they can't turn it down. There are even a few reports of singed feathers and burns.

The pad I used was only $13 (also 50W on high and has a 3-level slide switch) and I had everything else I needed lying about to build my MHP. But, I know most folks buy the deluxe pad rather than the basic and the prospect of DIY doesn't appeal to all.