Why can't brooder plate be used on floor?

[Collieoftheborder]

Do you have one of the temperature gun things? When I first plugged my plate in, I was shocked by how hot the underside got! Up to 120 F! I was expecting it to be around 95. (Very new to chicks). But upon further research, that's how it is supposed to work. And my thermometer placed at ground level under the plate does in fact read 94/95 consistently when the plate is in its lowest position. My chicks have never been burned not gotten chilled.

No I don't. The ambient temp under it seemed fine. But touching the actual under side of the plate was very very hot. I could barely touch it. I guess maybe that's how it's supposed to be?

 

[ChickenChick46]

Is that the one that stands up on it's side?

Yeah. It came with 2 sets of legs. One set of 4 is to be used in the brooder, and the other set of 2 stands it on its side for the coop heater.

 

[ChickenChick46]

No I don't. The ambient temp under it seemed fine. But touching the actual under side of the plate was very very hot. I could barely touch it. I guess maybe that's how it's supposed to be?

Yeah that's exactly how mine is. I couldn't leave my hand on it while it's on without it getting uncomfortable. It totally freaked me out. But no issues. We got our cheap temp gun at Harbor Freight for about 10 bucks, probably 9 or 10 years ago now, and it's still going strong. It's a worthy investment.

 

[FrostRanger]

They really do! I had originally planned on the EcoGlow, but then I needed an immediate option to replace the heat lamp was totally stressing me out. This was the only local option, but I don't regret it at all!

Have you ever used it as a coop heater? Our coldest nights here rarely go much below freezing, but we always have a run that gets around 20 or the high teens. I'm hoping these will add enough heat to keep them content.

No, doesn't get cold enough for that. Unless temps drop significantly below zero I don't believe in heating coops in most situations

 

[The Moonshiner]

CYA clause.

 

[AntiqueB]

I have a Rent-a-coop one. I just finished a 3rd batch of chicks under it. Honestly, it does feel hot if you touch it. If you move your hand away even a little, though, you don't feel so much heat. Chicks are meant to be under it, not touching it, so they're ok. (They're fuzz sometimes does look like it's touching, but remember they are fluffy!)

The plate should be raised to about their back height on the low side, and higher on the other side, so the plate is tilted. This way, they can move around to find the heat level they like. Remember to raise it as they grow.

 

[ChickenChick46]

No, doesn't get cold enough for that. Unless temps drop significantly below zero I don't believe in heating coops in most situations

That's good to know. I wasn't sure at what temperature I might need to add supplemental heat. And overall, we do not have cold winters.