Pig heat plate brooder?

[JMotuzick]

20 years ago I had pigs as a 4h project. We used a heat plate under the shavings for the new borns. Wondering if anyone has used this plate that has been collecting dust for 20 years for chicks? Temps seam to be about the same as the chick plate I bought for our now 6 week olds. Trouble is we have 25 meat birds coming and 15 more layers coming the following week. Can we use the pig heat plate under the shavings? Or should I add legs and use like the chick plates? The heat comes from the top so I would put the legs on top and fillip it upside down! They are not coming for about 5 weeks so mid May should be fairly warm here. Hoping to brood the meaties right out in the chicken tractor. Moving the cord every day won’t be fun, so heat will be pulled quick!

Thanks for any advice

 

[JMotuzick]

should I snap a picture ? its just a rubber matt with a hearing coil. It is ridged so if i made eggs they could stand on it as well.

 

[casportpony]

Your upside down pig plate would probably be fine ore chicks.

 

[JMotuzick]

so adding legs and upside down would be better then under the shavings?

 

[Redhead Rae]

so adding legs and upside down would be better then under the shavings?

Yes, think about how a mama hen works. She hovers over them to keep them warm.

 

[JMotuzick]

ok, i'll get some threaded rod. thanks everyone !