RentaCoop brooder

[Self sufficient chickens]

I have a brooder heater from RentaCoop.

Brooder heater

The metal on the underside of the heater reads at 128 degrees Fahrenheit. Is this good or bad? When it is 4 inches off of the ground, the ground measures 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Any thoughts? Thanks!

 

[azygous]

There have been chicks burned by some heat plates. Skin burns at temps starting at 109F. If a baby chick makes direct contact with the 128F metal underside, it could get burned.

I brood with a heating pad and configure it similarly to a heat plate. The way chicks use it is to make direct contact with the heating pad, which is about three inches at the highest point in the first week. They warm this way because this is the way they warm under a hen. She doesn't hover over them, sending down radiant heat. They snuggle directly against her skin.

Chicks may try to make contact with the heat plate from this instinct to snuggle under a hen. In doing so against 128F metal, it's possible they could get burned.

 

[Self sufficient chickens]

What should I do??

 

[Self sufficient chickens]

Thanks for the responce

 

[aart]

What should I do??

You could try putting the heater on a dimmer extension cord and see if that will regulate the temp of the plate surface. Might call the company and ask if there is a regulator available.

You could DIY a 'plate'.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/pseudo-brooder-heater-plate.67729/
You'd get more plate for your buck.
10x10" plate won't hold more than maybe 4-6 chicks for 4 weeks...
.....depending on your climate(wherever that is).

 

[Self sufficient chickens]

Thank you!

 

[Self sufficient chickens]

The temperature is up to 135.3 degrees Fahrenheit! The ground is at 84ºF, is that ok, the brooder is 4 inches off of the ground. @azygous @aart @EggSighted4Life

 

[aart]

The temperature is up to 135.3 degrees Fahrenheit!

Are you using a infrared temp gauge?

Have you tried these things?

You could try putting the heater on a dimmer extension cord and see if that will regulate the temp of the plate surface. Might call the company and ask if there is a regulator available.

 

[Self sufficient chickens]

Have you tried these things?

Cannot find a suitable option

 

[Self sufficient chickens]

Are you using a infrared temp gauge?

yes, also feeling the surface, it is burning