Brooder plate temp and height

[Laylahege]

I have a batch of quail about to hatch...
I've always used a heat lamp for my chicks, both chickens and quail.
I have a heat plate which displays a temp that I can change. It goes up to 158°F.
I'm assuming the underside shouldn't be so hot it burns my hand, so at around 110° the plate is touchable, but the temp under (according to my cheap gauge) is 80-81°. I've learned the quail can be a bit more finicky than chickens and I'm debating if I even want to use the plate.
Is that temp about right? Also, what height is recommended?
Or should I just stick with a heat lamp?
*they'll be in a room with no heat or air, but it's fairly warm heat in GA so the night low won't be below 50, and if it does I can put s space heater up.
*I've only used the plate in the winter to keep adult quails' water from freezing.
Thanks in advance for any advice

 

[Nabiki]

The temperature at the warm end of your brooder should be in the high 90s to start with for your quail. They are much smaller than chicken chicks, so they will lose heat much faster.

Personally, I don't like the heat plates because I can't see the chicks easily and these often don't go low enough for the quail chicks. There are people who use them, though.

 

[CliftonQuail]

I have a heat plate, but only used it for one batch of birds. Instead, I've taken to using a ceramic reptile bulb suspended over one side of the brooder on a tripod that I can raise it as the birds get older and need less heat.

 

[Laylahege]

The temperature at the warm end of your brooder should be in the high 90s to start with for your quail. They are much smaller than chicken chicks, so they will lose heat much faster.

Personally, I don't like the heat plates because I can't see the chicks easily and these often don't go low enough for the quail chicks. There are people who use them, though.

I didn't think about not being able to see them... I may stick with the heat lamp this time.

 

[Susan Skylark]

I like a reptile heat lamp that I gradually raise in height, much more gentle than the typical chicken heat lamp I used at first. And quail being quail they will find creative ways to kill themselves no matter what you do. I like seeing (and counting) them several times a day as they do things like getting stuck under the bedding r in the feeder or somehow escape the brooder…busy little buggers!

 

[Laylahege]

I like a reptile heat lamp that I gradually raise in height, much more gentle than the typical chicken heat lamp I used at first. And quail being quail they will find creative ways to kill themselves no matter what you do. I like seeing (and counting) them several times a day as they do things like getting stuck under the bedding r in the feeder or somehow escape the brooder…busy little buggers!

You're the second person to mention relrile heat lamps. Is there a specific wattage?

 

[CliftonQuail]

This is the one I use:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08LB95MH6?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_3&th=1

Edit to add: I suggest getting a clamp on lamp holder, preferably with a ceramic socket, though the ones I use have plastic sockets rated for 150W bulbs and I never had an issue.

 

[catesquire]

I'm using a heat plate with 14 chicks and they're loving it, if you do want to go that route (we're on week three--they're just about to age out of needing it now, there's only one or two that regularly use it anymore). Just make sure all sides are open so they can get out in any direction (aka no chicks getting stuck). Mine doesn't have a temperature, but feels "slightly uncomfortable, but not burning" to the touch. I set it on the lowest height setting and then put a folded hand towel underneath for the first two days so the chicks could have their backs comfortably against it while laying down (after that they were big enough to take the towel away). The rule with heat plates is to listen to the chicks--if they're all under and mostly quiet, coming out to eat and drink regularly, then they're comfortable. If they're cheeping in distress even under it, they're too cold. I would tilt mine up a few times a day to take a head count and make sure they were all doing well. I think they really enjoyed having a warm cave to all huddle under--they like being under cover, and it's more like having a hen in there to snuggle with them. So you can definitely try using your heat plate if you'd like!

Edit: I've got the Rent a Chick 10"x10", for reference. I'm also raising them indoors, with temps ranging from 58-68 nighttime/daytime.

 

[Nabiki]

You're the second person to mention relrile heat lamps. Is there a specific wattage?

I use 100 watt.

 

[pac]

My lizard lamp is 250w. When I ordered it I kept the wattage the same as my heat bulb.

I hung the lizard lamp inside the brooder to get about 95-98 directly under it and 90 or so just out from under it. The other side of my brooder I put a heat bulb outside shining in. The temp on that side is pretty much 92-95.
My two quail never went anywhere around the lizard lamp. That side had maybe two spots of poop in three days time.

Today I moved it outside the brooder, laying on the wire in its aluminum dome.

I haven't verified temps yet under the LL, but last I checked the quail were still under the lamp/bulb side. Maybe they just prefer that side.