Heating Plate/Cave sizing ??

[MtnHarmony]

What size heating pad plate or cave would you use for about 20 chicks?

Been awhile since we raised so many at once and used heat lamps back then.

 

[imnukensc]

If using the plate type, I'd use the 16x16 or 16x24.

 

[MtnHarmony]

If using the plate type, I'd use the 16x16 or 16x24.

I will be making one out of a heating pad or some sort. Have yet to buy one. Trying to figure out the best size as I don't wanna use any extra $ or electrical energy if I don't have to. Don't want some left out in the cold, lol.

 

[tdan]

Edit to clarify as to avoid being called hogwash

Problem there is, (non brooding) heating pads generally aren't designed for constant use 24/7. If I recall, others have said they failed, while most of us caution against.

People have gotten it done with them in urgent situations, but I think if possible to prepare better, I would choose to do so.

I will be making one out of a heating pad or some sort. Have yet to buy one. Trying to figure out the best size as I don't wanna use any extra $ or electrical energy if I don't have to. Don't want some left out in the cold, lol.

 

[imnukensc]

Problem there is, heating pads generally aren't designed for constant use 24/7. If I recall, others have said they failed, while most of us caution against.

People have gotten it done with them in urgent situations, but I think if possible to prepare better, I would choose to do so.

Hogwash! Hundreds, if not thousands of folks here, have used the mama heating pad. While you may caution against, most do not.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...d-in-the-brooder-picture-heavy-update.956958/

 

[MtnHarmony]

Problem there is, heating pads generally aren't designed for constant use 24/7. If I recall, others have said they failed, while most of us caution against.

People have gotten it done with them in urgent situations, but I think if possible to prepare better, I would choose to do so.

I was also looking at a 'pet' heating pad that was supposed to be used with pets and said it could be left on 24/7. Thought that may help lower the risk as well.

 

[Kris5902]

If you’re concerned about the electrical use, the commercial plates are very low power draws. I can run my ecoglows off of one deepcycle battery and inverter all night no worries. In an unheated drafty barn. Not sure what the power consumption is like on the mama heating pads. But I do know you have to be careful in selecting the heating pad, some have auto shut offs and such. I can keep 10 chicks under a single eco glow 20, the most I’ve brooded at once was 40 under the 50 and one 20.

 

[tdan]

I meant using a heating not intended to be left on 24/7. The mama heating pad is designed for brooding.

Further i brought this to light, to help because it was stated as some sort. I specifically referenced if it should be operated 24/7. I do not believe it is hogwash but I clarified so you can stop lashing out

Hogwash! Hundreds, if not thousands of folks here, have used the mama heating pad. While you may caution against, most do not.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...d-in-the-brooder-picture-heavy-update.956958/

 

[jolenesdad]

What size heating pad plate or cave would you use for about 20 chicks?

Been awhile since we raised so many at once and used heat lamps back then.

I use the ones sized for 50 for about 20 chicks if I’m using it outside so they can all get underneath until 5-6 weeks if necessary.

are you going to brood indoors or out?

 

[tdan]

Yup, of the products rated to and intended for the use, review their energy usage. Things with direct contact should draw less. Get the heat into the chicks and less waste.

Another point might be, if you limit their heat, they may stay closer to it. I opt to provide more heat with a brooder plate and let them venture further/faster, but plenty of people use the heating pads (intended for this).

You are preparing in the right ways, which was my point. You are researching and weighing options so I'm sure you will do well.

I was also looking at a 'pet' heating pad that was supposed to be used with pets and said it could be left on 24/7. Thought that may help lower the risk as well.