Week old chicks won't go under heat plate

[rnleffew84]

I have chick's that are 1 week old today. I cleaned there brooder and put a heat plate in today instead of the red heat lamp. They won't use it. I tried putting them under it but they just run back out. They are huddled in the opposite corner. Any suggestions?

 

[Perris]

it may be too hot for them. Hopefully someone with experience of these things will chime in soon - I've only used broodies to raise chicks, which is a doddle

 

[CatWhisperer]

Try putting food under the heat plate. Be sure it isn’t too low for them to get under. Raise your heat lamp enough that they aren’t quite comfortable and place things so the warmest area is right next to the heat plate.

 

[CannedMonster]

Yes please be sure to adjust the height of the heat plate so that it’s barely at the level of their backs.
Keep putting them under; eventually they’ll realize it’s warm under there. Most likely when they sleep overnight.
I like to adjust one side of mine so it’s low enough for them to get warmed when they’re laying down too.
There’s definitely a learning curve for chicks switched from a heat lamp.

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

Theyll go under when they need to....they are telling you they dint need to right now

 

[rsrpoultry]

it may be too hot for them. Hopefully someone with experience of these things will chime in soon - I've only used broodies to raise chicks, which is a doddle

I agree with them. Its a good chance that its too hot. They will figure out where the warmth is.

 

[rnleffew84]

Thanks! They finally started using it

 

[nikolairapunzel]

In my experience, they need you to put them back under it a few times and at night. They think the light is what is warm, so it takes them a few times to get the new heat situation. I usually put them under and hold my hands in the way so they cant get out for a minute. Only takes a few times