Best Heat Plates

[ChunkyBirb]

I’m interested in getting a heating plate for chicks and ducklings. The most I would ever have at one time would be 20-25 birds. I’ve looked at the Brinsea ones but they are kinda on the pricey side. What brands have you had success with that aren’t outrageously priced?

 

[awhan]

Producer’s Pride Brooder and Coop Heater (found at Tractor Supply) is the most affordable one I’ve seen—about $40. I was skeptical at first because it was much cheaper than other brands but it works well. I personally prefer the chick plates that have an anti-roost cone that prevent chicks from going on top and pooping on the heat plate. My favorites are the Premier1 heat plates and the Rentacoop heat plates, but those can also be a bit pricey depending on what size you get.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

I personally prefer the chick plates that have an anti-roost cone that prevent chicks from going on top and pooping on the heat plate.

I have the rent a coop with the cone top.. it works well.

I did like that my friend who didn't spend the funds for the cone had her water jug sitting on top with a nipple attached hanging over the side.. warm, elevated, shaving & poo free chick water almost seems to good to be true. Pics are from google.

I saw they had also installed several of the side mount nipples on the sides at different heights for access.

Don't believe how many birds it says it will accommodate.. and go larger than you think you need.

The heat plate will pay for itself in the FIRST brood verses standard 250w heat bulb in electricity alone and bulbs burn out at inconventient times. I WISH I had made the investment sooner, chicks are SOOO much happier and I feel MUCH safer over all. Once you find the one that fits your budget and size. Also very worth the ease of use and adjust-ability to not waste time attempting a homemade mamma heating pad cave.

One person reported getting a hot temp reading on the plate worried about their chicks getting burned.. upon my research found that the complaint being made was WITHIN the stated guidelines and WHAT piqued my interest in them in the first place. Since then I've bought 2 and my friend also bought at least 2. Prices go up and down on Amazon and I've seen them on my local Craigslist farm and garden section reasonably priced.

Best wishes finding something affordable!

 

[aart]

Instead of a cone on top you can just cut 4 holes in a piece of corrugated cardboard so they fit tightly over the legs. Poops dry and up and pop off or you can change out the cardboard.

 

[Robeenop]

I’m interested in getting a heating plate for chicks and ducklings. The most I would ever have at one time would be 20-25 birds. I’ve looked at the Brinsea ones but they are kinda on the pricey side. What brands have you had success with that aren’t outrageously priced?

I bought mine at Premier1 website. 8 years ago I started with the lamp, had problems. Changed to heat plate for 25, still have/use same one. Great investment. It also has individual adjustable legs. I heard the stories of burned babies, you have to raise as they age. I can put my hand on it and not burn. Set at around 100 degrees I think. Works great. Gotta let warm up, I turn mine on in morning when I know I will pick up my special order chicks from feed store after work. They go right under. They also have some great other chick times as well.

 

[ChunkyBirb]

I bought mine at Premier1 website. 8 years ago I started with the lamp, had problems. Changed to heat plate for 25, still have/use same one. Great investment. It also has individual adjustable legs. I heard the stories of burned babies, you have to raise as they age. I can put my hand on it and not burn. Set at around 100 degrees I think. Works great. Gotta let warm up, I turn mine on in morning when I know I will pick up my special order chicks from feed store after work. They go right under. They also have some great other chick times as well.

That’s great to know! I actually haven’t bought one yet, so I’m glad to have another thing to think about.