Heating plate

[easterbun]

Thanks! There are some plates that come with an anti-roost cone. Thoughts on that? Is it a big deal if they climb on top of the heating plate?

Might be nice to have, but not having one is not a dealbreaker - glad press'n'seal on top works really well, and it doesn't hurt anything if they jump on top and poop - you're cleaning the brooder regularly anyways, it's not much more work to replace the wrap on the heat plate.

 

[OlympicChick]

I have 2 Premier heat plates and I love them. They do have the cones and they definitely prevent the chicks from pooping on top.

 

[Rachmaginger]

I am currently using the rural 365 heater that is in that picture. I have borrowed it from a friend who has had it for years and lent it out to a few people. It provides a great place to put the water away from any wood shavings. The chicks are 5 weeks and have it with them in the house of the outside coop. They snuggle under it on the cool nights.

 

[Daddy Dan]

A piece of cardboard placed on top works great if anyone's short of plastic wrap, just cut it a little large and the legs of the heater plate will smoosh in and hold it in place.
Also, where we live right now (Seattle area, USA) Amazon is only delivering items deemed essential, so it's possible that a therapeutic heating pad like that seen on the Mama Heating Pad threads could deliver sooner if time is tight. Either way you're golden!

 

[DougVC]

We were able to get our brinsea heater from Walmart with 2 day delivery. We would have ordered from amazon, but they are so backed up on non-essential items we looked elsewhere. Also chewy.com was another if you need them sooner than later.

 

[Riv-6]

I appreciate all the input. I've noticed Amazon is very backed up. I don't need it until the end of May but figured I would try to get one now.

Thank you everyone!!

 

[Riv-6]

The 16x16 and 16x24 sizes became available on Amazon. Would the 16x24 be way overkill for 12 chicks? I will be brooding them outside in the coop. The temps are in the low 40s at night right now. I thought of getting the larger size in case I ever brooder a larger amount of chicks but wondering if it's too much for the 12 chicks.

 

[OlympicChick]

I don't think it would be overkill as long as you have the space for it. The chicks will all huddle together under it no matter the size.

 

[NewBoots]

And as they grow they need more room under the plate anyway.

 

[Riv-6]

Thank you again! Appreciate you answering my silly questions