Temperature Under Brooder Plate

[Gkc]

I might be able to help, but I've only done two batches under a heat plate. I have the RentACoop brand, and they tend to run about 120F at the underside. I set the back two legs to be about back height of the tallest chick, then set the front two legs (meaning the direction they'd be entering from) a tick taller. The temperature of the bedding/pads below is typically 85-90F. All my chicks (including bantams) have seemed very comfortable, but I also make sure the room they're in is around 68-72 degrees for the first few days (on the higher end if they've been shipped).

EDIT: Should add that if your plate runs cooler than this (maybe 110-115ish), then it should DEFINITELY be at true back height all the way, or even a tick lower. This will allow the chicks to press up against it safely.

Why is it at 120 if the chicks only need 90-95 starting out ?

 

[thecatumbrella]

Why is it at 120 if the chicks only need 90-95 starting out ?

It won’t be 120 at the ground. Like I mentioned, the bedding underneath reads 85-90, so the plate forms a gradient in temperature. The chicks will lay down when they’re comfortable (where it’s cooler) and stand up - even pressing their backs against the plate - to warm up when they’re feeling chilly.

 

[debid]

They'll go under their electric hen when they need to and they are perfectly capable of regulating their body temperature given the opportunity to do so. I use a heating pad on a frame with an arched shape set to high because I brood outdoors in spring when it is cold so I want a realistic hen temperature. They can be right up against the pad or under the highest part of the arc while sticking their heads out or anywhere in between. They choose where they are comfortable and move as needed. They go out and play and they will sun themselves in their run when it's 35F! Around 4-5 weeks, they stop using the "hen" and start sleeping on a roost. I don't need to heat the whole space and I don't need to guess when to remove their heat. They let me know when they are grown enough by discontinuing use.