Why can't brooder plate be used on floor?

[Collieoftheborder]

Hello all. I just received my large brooder plate from Premier 1. The instructions state that the brooder plate should not be used on the floor and that it should only be used in a brooder that is on a table that is elevated at least 50 cm (about 20 inches) off the floor.

I am going to have a very big brooder, for 37 chicks. I don't know how to elevate it! Do you think this is really necessary?

 

[BigBlueHen53]

I would think having it on the floor may be a fire hazard perhaps due to overheating, and I would say absolutely it is necessary - they would not have written it in the instructions if it was not. Ask yourself this. Are you willing to bet your house, your life, on it not being necessary?

 

[Collieoftheborder]

I would think having it on the floor may be a fire hazard perhaps due to overheating, and I would say absolutely it is necessary - they would not have written it in the instructions if it was not. Ask yourself this. Are you willing to bet your house, your life, on it not being necessary?

of course not

 

[SunriseChickers]

I second what BigBlueHen said about it probably being to keep your actual house from catching on fire. That being said, I'd think it would depend on the kind of floor, and that if it's on concrete in a basement, shed, or garage it'd be fine. Not sure. I'd use pillars made of cheap cinder blocks to elevate your brooder.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

It might not be fine if the unit itself overheats and catches fire, especially if you have a crop of chicks in there with it. And what else? Some kind of bedding? That could become a major problem very quickly even in a basement with a concrete floor.

 

[Anon112]

Could you maybe elevate it by putting down a tarp or blanket, then two wooden pallets (in my area you can often find these free on the side of the road), then something non-stick like a rubber mat?

 

[SunriseChickers]

It might not be fine if the unit itself overheats and catches fire, especially if you have a crop of chicks in there with it. And what else? Some kind of bedding? That could become a major problem very quickly even in a basement with a concrete floor.

That's true, I can only guess that the elevation is for some sort of air flow? But the instructions seem to me to be saying that the brooder it's in can't be on the floor, not that the plate can't be on the floor of the brooder. I'd assume that the average brooder floor is a good half inch of wood, and I'm not sure what kind of cooling that elevation would offer, especially if it were on concrete that was heat-sinking into the floor. Also considering that it says to have the brooder on a table, which is even more wood (or sometimes plastic).
Best safe than sorry, though, especially since we aren't entirely sure the exact purpose of this instruction. Besides, having an elevated brooder makes it so much easier to enjoy tiny chicks!

 

[redinator]

Hello all. I just received my large brooder plate from Premier 1. The instructions state that the brooder plate should not be used on the floor and that it should only be used in a brooder that is on a table that is elevated at least 50 cm (about 20 inches) off the floor.

I am going to have a very big brooder, for 37 chicks. I don't know how to elevate it! Do you think this is really necessary?

What brand is this? Do you have a link for it? I've used a few different brooder plates I got from Amazon and haven't had any issues. Honestly I didn't really bother to read the instructions though.

 

[FrostRanger]

I am not entirely sure why they included that. I've used my brooder plate on the floor without issue and if anything I would think shavings would be a bigger concern than the floor? And a table is no less flammable than a floor (and in some cases even more so). The plate should come with legs regardless as you shouldn't be laying it flat on the floor anyways because the chicks have to be able to get underneath. If you're curious ask the manufacturer but I can't imagine fire safety being the reason here (or if it is, it's poorly thought out)

 

[BlindLemonChicken]

I imagine it’s too keep things from falling onto the brooder plate because if it’s hot enough underneath to burn down your house it’s too hot for chicks. I’ve never used one but that’s just what makes sense to me.