Is my brooder plate a dud?

[MeowPonyMix]

Our first chicks are coming today! Last night my husband and I set up their brooder with gleeful anticipation. We purchased a Titan brooder plate from Amazon. Luckily I had the foresight to plug it in that night to see how it worked...

Before bed we checked on the plate to see how hot it got. It was lukewarm at best. I had it set on level 2 and on for about 2 hours. I’ve never had a brooder plate before, but I wonder if I have a dud. Is that how hot the plate generally gets? I’m about to sprint to TSC to pick up a lamp because babies will be here in a couple hours. I swear I’m not panicking.

 

[DobieLover]

Our first chicks are coming today! Last night my husband and I set up their brooder with gleeful anticipation. We purchased a Titan brooder plate from Amazon. Luckily I had the foresight to plug it in that night to see how it worked...

Before bed we checked on the plate to see how hot it got. It was lukewarm at best. I had it set on level 2 and on for about 2 hours. I’ve never had a brooder plate before, but I wonder if I have a dud. Is that how hot the plate generally gets? I’m about to sprint to TSC to pick up a lamp because babies will be here in a couple hours. I swear I’m not panicking.

They don't get hot like a heat lamp. That would burn the chicks. Do you have a thermometer you can put under the plate to see what the temperature is?
I also place an old folded towel over the top that drapes down to the floor around the back and sides to further trap heat.

 

[debid]

I looked and see that Titan is only 20W. It's meant to be used in a temperature-controlled location like your home so no, it isn't going to feel especially hot to the touch. You should have it on the hottest setting if it has more than one and I'd leave it to preheat while you drive to pick up your chicks.

It also needs the legs set short enough that the chicks can have their backs against it while laying down. If it allows the legs to be at different lengths, two set shorter so the plate is slightly angled helps suit the size differences common with breed assortments.

 

[debid]

BTW, heat plate brooding is absolutely the way to go. Much, much safer and a huge energy savings! It's going to seem different if you've used lamps before but it's a good different.

 

[chickens really]

I only use heat lamps. Easier to monitor the Chicks and less pasty butt issues.

 

[debid]

I only use heat lamps. Easier to monitor the Chicks and less pasty butt issues.

I've used both and more than once. It has proved to me that heating method has nothing to do with pasty butt although that is a popular benefit cited for every single heating method.

Ultimately, the DIY heating pad hen (50watts) suits my purposes best but varied needs means there is no one size suits all.

For people who will forever brood in their living room, I wouldn't recommend a heat lamp. It's too hot and they're a definite fire hazard.

 

[chickens really]

I've used both and more than once. It has proved to me that heating method has nothing to do with pasty butt although that is a popular benefit cited for every single heating method.

Ultimately, the DIY heating pad hen (50watts) suits my purposes best but varied needs means there is no one size suits all.

For people who will forever brood in their living room, I wouldn't recommend a heat lamp. It's too hot and they're a definite fire hazard.

Anything that takes power is a fire hazard.....

 

[debid]

Anything that takes power is a fire hazard.....

Yes but that doesn't make the risk equal.

 

[chickens really]

Yes but that doesn't make the risk equal.

Anyways everyone does what works and replies accordingly..

 

[debid]

Anyways everyone does what works and replies accordingly..

Of course. I just felt the need to speak up because your response implied that their choice would result in pasty butt and difficulty with monitoring the chicks. They're new, they don't need more to worry about unnecessarily. The plate will be just fine.