Brooder plate

[EngeFamilyFarms]

I just picked up two of these producers pride heat plates that double as a coop warmer. I have 31 more checks coming in the mail tomorrow and I’m looking for a safer alternative to heat lamps. Has anyone used these?

 

[Jules929]

Hello! I haven't used that brand, but I love mine. You'll want to set them up ahead of time and follow the instructions regarding height and placement. Other than that, I think they are much better than the heat lamps I used before. The chicks get a better day/night cycle early on, so they are much quieter at night. I think you will be happy with them. Good luck!

 

[EngeFamilyFarms]

Hello! I haven't used that brand, but I love mine. You'll want to set them up ahead of time and follow the instructions regarding height and placement. Other than that, I think they are much better than the heat lamps I used before. The chicks get a better day/night cycle early on, so they are much quieter at night. I think you will be happy with them. Good luck!

Thank you for the info! Do I have to do anything to get them to use it or do they just instinctively know to go under it? How many birds do you think this will work for?

 

[Jules929]

Thank you for the info! Do I have to do anything to get them to use it or do they just instinctively know to go under it? How many birds do you think this will work for?

They will usually find their way under it. Once one goes, the others will follow. If not, I just place them under it. I don't see the dimensions of the plate in the pic, or for how many chicks it claims to provide adequate warming space. Keep in mind that their number will most likely refer to day old chicks. The chicks will outgrow it fast, if you start out with the maximum number. I have looked for some reference on chick per square inch, but haven't found anything yet.

 

[aart]

You may have to hold them under until they 'feel the heat'...
...but, yes, once a few 'get it' the rest will likely follow.

https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/producers-pride-brooder-and-coop-heater
Is about 18x12".
31 chicks won't fit under 2 plates for long....you may need another one.

I use a 12x24 heating pad....had 16 chicks spilling out the sides about the time they were done with heat, but it was spring and warmer out.

Ambient temps could play big part here, will you have them in the house or out in coop?
Layers or meat birds?

 

[LilyD]

Just got this for my chicks and later for the older birds in the barn. What do you think of it after having it for a while?

 

[aart]

Yo @EngeFamilyFarms how did this plate work out for your chicks?

 

[EngeFamilyFarms]

Yo @EngeFamilyFarms how did this plate work out for your chicks?

I ended up going back to lamps

 

[LilyD]

So far my brooder plate is working well. Chicks use it with no issues right off the bat and seem warmer and less loud at night for when I'm brooding them in the house which my husband really likes. I have it vertical instead of horizontal and they will lay against it. Haven't had to use it on the heater setting at all yet. The brooder setting seems to be enough.

 

[56Chicks]

I ended up going back to lamps

I know this thread is a little old, but I am not finding a lot of experiential information about this brand of plate. Can I ask why you stopped using it? I have one as well (had planned on a different one but had deliveries and orders canceled due to coronavirus supply issues) and think it seems a bit hot? Did you use it with the plate very low so that the chicks make contact, like with the other brands, or as more of a heater? Thanks!