Question about Premier Heat Plate Size

[imnukensc]

.....the MHP will provide appropriate heat in freezing conditions, something that I don't believe the heat plates can boast of.

Since they both use the same method of heat transfer (conduction), I'm wondering why you think the plate wouldn't work in freezing conditions? I think the MHP is an excellent and less expensive alternative to the brooder plate and had I known about them before I bought my plate it's what I would've used.

 

[lazy gardener]

I do believe that the manufacturer states the ambient temp that the plate is appropriate for. Someone correct me if I'm wrong, with a link to temp specs for a specific plate.

 

[Joeschooks]

I use the 16x16 comfort heat plate. The chicks love it - they even seem prefer it over the expensive Brinsea eco glow. The size should be fine to raise 15 chicks. I’ve cut out a few cardboard templates to fit over the top to help the poop problem. The babies spend more time on it than under it now! Best of luck with your brood.

 

[christwodog]

I use the 16x16 comfort heat plate. The chicks love it - they even seem prefer it over the expensive Brinsea eco glow. The size should be fine to raise 15 chicks. I’ve cut out a few cardboard templates to fit over the top to help the poop problem. The babies spend more time on it than under it now! Best of luck with your brood.

Thanks for the info, I now have to decide b/t the plate and the MHP that I've been reading about!

 

[Joeschooks]

Thanks for the info, I now have to decide b/t the plate and the MHP that I've been reading about!

I've never tried the MHP method. Looks great, and everyone who has tried it speaks highly of it. If you already own a heat pad I'd say definitely give it a go. Since I didn't already have the bits and pieces for MHP, the cheaper and more convenient option was the comfort plate in my case and I have not been disappointed. Best of luck.

 

[Joeschooks]

I do believe that the manufacturer states the ambient temp that the plate is appropriate for. Someone correct me if I'm wrong, with a link to temp specs for a specific plate.

Brinsea specify that ambient temperatures for their Eco Glow must be above 10C. I've never been able to find the ambient temperature for the Comfort plate though. It definitely feels warmer than the Eco Glow (I have both) so I'd be interested to know if anyone can find a link for the Comfort.

 

[lazy gardener]

Brinsea specify that ambient temperatures for their Eco Glow must be above 10C. I've never been able to find the ambient temperature for the Comfort plate though. It definitely feels warmer than the Eco Glow (I have both) so I'd be interested to know if anyone can find a link for the Comfort.

That right there is reason enough for me to state that the Brinsea heat plate would not be sufficient for my needs. My chicks are snug as a bug in a run in their outdoor brooder coop with their MHP. My night time April temps are often down into the 20's.

 

[aart]

Brinsea has a CYA(IMO) about ambient temp.
Premiere does not...either does a human heating pad

A heating pad can definitely be a less expensive option,
if you can fashion adjustable legs.
The adjustable legs might be well worth the extra bucks if you don't care to DIY,
or if you can afford convenience over tweaking a DIY for optimal performance.

I like Premiere's new sizes and that a rheostsat to control temp is now available for 110V.

ETA: As to size I had 16 chicks under a 12x24,
it was just big enough until they got old enough not to need much heat.
That can depend on ambient temps too.....and number of chicks on the plates is overestimated IMO..... just like most coops are.