I opted for the cover domes. It keeps them a lot cleaner.Yeah, I don’t think I’d want to employ 10 of the heat plates in order to brood 500 chicks. But, the good thing is, I don’t. I have brooded between 5 and 25.
I have two different sizes and brands. My largest plate is a brooder only and uses 62 watts. I did not purchase the domed top as I utilize it for the feed and water. View attachment 2323766
My other heat plate can be used as a heater as well as the brooder. The brooder uses 40 watts while the heater uses 200 watts. I believe I found these as a fluke on the ‘clearance’ aisle at TSC for a mere $11 each. I snagged two. Yep, it was a mistake they quickly corrected. I have used it both ways.
View attachment 2323767
As far as the life of radiant heating goes, I know that radiant heat flooring lasts for 20+ years. Now I’m sure I don’t brood as often as you, but I’m certain my little heaters will last way after I’m dead and gone. Just saying.
I would dare say these are more for “indoor brooder chicken keepers.’ The biggest plus for these type brooders IMHO is they are cheaper to operate, they are far less dangerous and they do not overheat the surrounding area. As far as the dangerous part goes, not everyone using heat lamps will realize the safety hazard and might not secure them properly (to prevent them from falling.) I don’t know statistics of the heat lamp, but I’m certain there are thousands of animal deaths each year, not to mention loss to property.
Just my thoughts.
I had a leg break once and I bought several more legs. But none have broken since. The plates are really hard to use with 3 legs.
I would order some extra legs if I were you. Right now they are on backorder till November.
The legs are at the bottom of the list.
https://www.premier1supplies.com/p/heating-plates-and-covers
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