Switching to brooder plate and having trouble getting them to use it

[HenHenMcHenerson]

I have 3 two week old chicks (buff orps). We were using a heat lamp inside but I was worried about a fire and about it being too hot so I purchased a brooder plate instead. I just put it in and they are afraid of it. I tried putting them under to show them it's warm but they just run right back out. Now they are huddling for warmth. How do I get them to use the plate? I'm worried about them getting too cold after having a very warm heat lamp for 2 weeks. I have the plate set at two different heights so they can choose but they're not interested!

 

[aart]

You may have to 'hold' them under it until they feel the warmth.
Can take several tries...but once one of them 'gets it', the rest should follow.

 

[ButtonquailGirl14]

I would twitch back to a heat lamp..Welcome to BYC! Glad you could join the Flock! Let me know if you need anything!

 

[blackdog043]

You may have to 'hold' them under it until they feel the warmth.
Can take several tries...but once one of them 'gets it', the rest should follow.

X 2
Also, If you have an extra pair of hands to help you, you could block all the sides for a couple minutes.

 

[HenHenMcHenerson]

X 2
Also, If you have an extra pair of hands to help you, you could block all the sides for a couple minutes.

I ended up moving it over them in an area they were huddling in and it worked perfect! Now I can't get them to leave it, which hopefully means that they like it, not that it's too cold anywhere else. Thanks!

 

[chickens really]

They don't understand the concept of going under to keep warm. It was always controlled from above...

 

[blackdog043]

I ended up moving it over them in an area they were huddling in and it worked perfect! Now I can't get them to leave it, which hopefully means that they like it, not that it's too cold anywhere else. Thanks!

Yep, they are warm and content. When they get hungry or thirsty they will come out. They will also get used to day and night with the plate, as long as you don't have a light on at night where they are.

 

[aart]

I ended up moving it over them in an area they were huddling in and it worked perfect! Now I can't get them to leave it, which hopefully means that they like it, not that it's too cold anywhere else. Thanks!

Great thinking @HenHenMcHenerson !!
Bring the mountain to Muhammad!

 

[Wee Farmer Sarah]

I'm glad this worked out for you. Last year I used the lamp and the chicks were pretty rowdy. This year I used the brooder plate and these chicks feathered out quicker, are accustomed to normal day /night cycles and much calmer and quieter.

 

[HenHenMcHenerson]

I would twitch back to a heat lamp..Welcome to BYC! Glad you could join the Flock! Let me know if you need anything!

Thank you and thanks for the warm welcome!