Tips for switching to brooder plate for next brood— on a tight budget!

[rosemarythyme]

I've read others say they won't work under 50*, not sure if the instructions say this also, but I've had mine on in heater mode at temps close to zero with no issues.

If we consider a hen can keep chicks warm in below zero temps, this is the same scenario. The chicks jet in and out as they need heat, no matter the temp as long as it's available. My only issue with brooding in cold weather is not letting them get outside as much until they start to feather out, because they need that heat source close by.
So if I do take them outside in cold temps it's for short spurts and I monitor for huddling together (they're getting cold)

@rosemarythyme I believe broods all her chicks outside and has a lot of knowledge with this and might be able to add some helpful tips.

Yes I brood outdoors but I aim to do it in spring when temps are more favorable. Last year we brooded in March and it was probably a bit too early for my liking as it got down to about 40 at night. We still had them fully weaned off heat and in the coop at... 34 days old.

I don't use a heat plate though, I use a mama heating pad which have been reported to run just fine down to the 20s.

Various tips and observations in the article: https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/short-on-time-recycle-a-prefab-brooder.73985/

 

[Faithjo]

I've read others say they won't work under 50*, not sure if the instructions say this also, but I've had mine on in heater mode at temps close to zero with no issues.

If we consider a hen can keep chicks warm in below zero temps, this is the same scenario. The chicks jet in and out as they need heat, no matter the temp as long as it's available. My only issue with brooding in cold weather is not letting them get outside as much until they start to feather out, because they need that heat source close by.
So if I do take them outside in cold temps it's for short spurts and I monitor for huddling together (they're getting cold)

@rosemarythyme I believe broods all her chicks outside and has a lot of knowledge with this and might be able to add some helpful tips.

Thanks!! I can’t let mine roam around outside right now, I have cats and dogs that might munch on a baby chick. I do start letting them out in a pen when the weather warms up though, Lord willin I’m going to put them in the coop by theirselves with a heat source of some sort once it warms up more, probably be a while though as it is snowy and cold right now