Heating Plates for Chick Brooders
An alternative to a heat lamp. Less of a fire risk. A heating plate simulates a hen keeping chicks warm and cozy beneath her feathers.
Heating Plate & Cover Dimensions (both sold separately):
- Extra Small: 10" x 10"
- Small: 12" x 12"
- Medium: 16" x 16"
- Large: 16" x 24"
Instructions/Diagrams:
Instruction Manual 
Common Uses
Specs
| Extra Small | Small | Medium | Large | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plate Item # | 540207 | 540203 | 540241 | 540204 |
| Cover Item # | 5402078 | 540205 | 540242 | 540206 |
| Capacity | Up to 15 chicks | Up to 20 chicks | Up to 30 chicks | Up to 50 chicks |
| Plate & Cover | 10" x 10" | 12" x 12" | 16" x 16" | 16" x 24" |
| Cover Height | 3.5" | 5" | 7" | 7" | Watts | 15 watts/hr | 22 watts/hr | 42 watts/hr | 66 watts/hr |
| Legs | 9.5"L | 9.5"L | 9.5"L | 9.5"L |
Height of all sizes adjusts from 1.5" to 6" by adjusting the yellow legs. ABS plastic. Cord: 70"L
Use a Heating Plate Temperature Controller which allows control of Premier's Heating Plates output between 20% - 100% of full output.
Benefits
Heating plate advantages over a heat lamp:
- Uses much less electricity. Only 15 watts (66 for the larger plate) vs 175 or 250 watts for a heat lamp.
- Less risk of fire because of the much lower surface temperature (only 125°).
- Field observation: Birds raised under plates appear more calm than those raised under lamps.
The rugged plate cover (optional and sold above) prevents older chicks from perching on top and fouling the unit with droppings. However, the plate can be hand-washed (do not submerge in water) to remove dust and debris.
How to Use
Worried that the plate feels hot to the touch? It isn't. If chicks get too warm, they can and do move out from under it for a time. Don't overcrowd—chicks need to have space to move around as they like.
When the heating plate is plugged directly into the outlet, the red light comes on and stays on.
When it is plugged into the Heating Plate Temperature Controller, it will blink based on the min/max adjustment. Slow blink toward minimum and quicker toward max. If you turn it all the way up, it will come on full time.
Precautions
Warranty
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Heating Plates and Covers
Heating Plate Temperature Control
Item #540229 -Manually control the heat output of Premier's heating plates for poultry
$14.00 -
Waterers and Accessories
Chick Nipple Drinker, 0.26 gal capacity
Item #540224 -To keep water clean and fresh. Nipple drinker sits or hangs above the litter so water is always clean.
$6.00 -
Brooder Kits and Panels
Disposable Brooder Panel, each
Item #530150 -Build a safe, secure chick brooder using modular brooder panels. Quick to assemble with disposable and reusable options.
$2.10 -
Brooder Kits and Panels
Reusable Brooder Panel, each
Item #530155 -Build a safe, secure chick brooder using modular brooder panels. Quick to assemble with disposable and reusable options.
$5.70
-
Heating Plates and Covers
Replacement Leg for Heating Plates, each
Item #5402032 -A safer alternative to a heat lamp. A heating plate, or hover heater, simulates a hen keeping chicks warm and cozy beneath her feathers.
$3.80
Write a Review
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Steve F from Pennsylvania
I’ve never used something like this before. Chicks seam to like it. They are in and out, and doing fine. Hope it saves electricity.
The lid keeps chicks off of the heat plate. A lot of money, but does what it is supposed to do.
Richard B from Minnesota
I have about 30 quail chicks and got the 16x16 plate with cover. Have a big brooder used to run two heat lamps in case one went out. Tried this new contraption and a heat lamp with the food and water closer to the heat lamp. They love the plate they would come out drink and eat their food and run right back underneath. Shut off the heat lamp and there doing great. Not to give Premier 1 a big head, but I have also loved their heated 3 gallon nipple waterers for chickens. They last years.
Shelley G from Washington
This was my first time ordering Premier 1’s heat plate and my first time raising chicks. It was easy to use and adjust the legs. Based on the reviews/comments, I also ordered the cover and I’m very happy I did that. I was never concerned that it would fail or be a fire hazard in the 8 straight weeks that I used it. I kept my brooder in an insulated garage and the heat plate and ambient temperatures were warm enough. I would definitely order again, but I hope it lasts longer than one season!
Erica S from Maine
The heat plate is great, but I gave it 3 stars because the legs KEEP breaking and I have to keep buying new ones!
Evan S from Alabama
Ordered this based on good reviews. The people that gave it 5 stars must live in the Sahara desert. This plate did no get above 80/81°. Baby chicks need a minimum of 95° if not more. Very misleading reviews. Now I have to make a trip to Tractor Supply to get one that actually works, and to the post office to send this thing back. Before Premier 1 comments about the legs or something, I set the legs to the lowest setting and all that.
