This has been a really helpful thread! I have 46 new chicks arriving on Feb. 21st and I'm thinking of placing a 3-day order on one of these heat plates. I'm up in NE Minnesota where we have been just beaten down with freezing cold temps- but luckily it looks like we'll be hitting 30 at the end of next week, just in time for the babies to make their travel through the postal system (I've never ordered this early in the year, so I'm a little nervous about it). We will be keeping the brooder in our basement which is only about 50 degrees. I'd been planning on using a heat lamp as I've done forever, but I think this heat plate might be a nicer option- allowing them to keep warmer in a more localized area. My only concern is when they leave from under the plate to go eat and drink- obviously the air will be colder when away from the plate? Or does the plate help warm the brooder itself? And since the plate is for up to 50 chicks- how long will it be able to sustain them as they grow? Perhaps someone who has had some experience with another brand might be able to help with these answers...thanks so much
If I decide to go for it, I'll definitely be posting my reviews. Thanks!
It will be perfect for you. I keep chicks in the house and then move them into the Garage and have been using the brinse eco glow 20. The chicks were under it for 5 weeks and are completely heat free now. The house goes down to 60 at night too.