How warm do they need to be?

[Ridgerunner]

I don't use heat plates, I use heat lamps. So I can't help you.

 

[SandyRiverChick]

I'm planning on using the heat plate. So many brands to choose from. Suggestions on brand?

Since you're not getting any responses to this, I copied these 2 great links from Blooie!
http://www.backyardchickens.com/a/yes-you-certainly-can-brood-chicks-outdoors
http://www.backyardchickens.com/t/956958/mama-heating-pad-in-the-brooder-picture-heavy-update
I use a heating pad and right now I've been doing a lot of "temp checking" under it with a meat thermometer (I don't leave it under there because it has a pointy end, I just check during the day, night and morning just so that I can be specific about how much heat it's providing.) I've determined that a heat pad over (a wire frame,) and a heat pad under is to much. Hard to believe as it's 40's-50's here but it's true. It got to hot. They were on top of it and just on the bottom edge but only 1 chick has seemed to really get way back under it like I'm used to. And that heat temp has been 90's. It's precisely what Blooie said in this thread, sweet spot is in the 80's, not 90's. I find myself surprised because they are only 5 days old right now and every single thing you read suggests they would prefer 90's. Nope. Anyhow, enjoy the reads! You will for sure find some great suggestions on Heat Plate brands in really long MHP thread!! It's my go to!!