When to remove brooder heating plate

[MKetter]

I got some chicks on April 9th and 10th. They sleep under the brooder heating plate. They run under there if they’re startled, like going to mother hen. I was just wondering if there is a certain number of weeks age when I should remove the brooder plate. They go under there at night the way full grown chickens go into the coop at night. (These are my first chicks to raise.)

 

[rosemarythyme]

When they no longer want to use it for heat (they won't sleep under it at night) that's a pretty good indicator that they're done with it.

 

[redinator]

I got some chicks on April 9th and 10th. They sleep under the brooder heating plate. They run under there if they’re startled, like going to mother hen. I was just wondering if there is a certain number of weeks age when I should remove the brooder plate. They go under there at night the way full grown chickens go into the coop at night. (These are my first chicks to raise.)

When they start roosting on it, rather than sleeping under it, is my cue to remove it. This typically happens around 2.5 - 3 weeks. They're mostly feathered by then and can still huddle together if they get chilled.

 

[MKetter]

When they start roosting on it, rather than sleeping under it, is my cue to remove it. This typically happens around 2.5 - 3 weeks. They're mostly feathered by then and can still huddle together if they get chilled.

I noticed recently (slipped in late at night to peek) that three or four are sleeping on top of it. That’s all it would hold. The remaining chicks are under it. Seems like a good time to remove it.