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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Alysia K from California
These are a fantastic replacement for heat lamps. Much less worry about proper temperature, overheating and fire risk if it falls down. Adjustable heights make is so you can create variable warm spots so chicks can choose where they want to be.
BUT 4 RATING IS BECAUSE OF DECEPTIVE NUMBER OF CHICKS SERVED. The numbers they give are for new hatchlings. I easily heated my 25 mixed rooster chicks for about 2 weeks until it got too crowded due to rapid growth. Had to buy a second plate. So buy two plates for 25 heavies or straight run roosters. I live in a cold place so heat is needed until they feather out.
Also, the chicks like to get on top of the unit for lower heat. I made paper towel covers to help keep the tops clean. Worked great. No overheating and gave the chicks more area to live in. I gently use a windshield ice scraper to clean off any dried poop. If you don’t want them to get on top, buy a cover because they will use the roof as a nice spot to hang out.
Mackenzie M from New Jersey
I ordered a small heat plate so that I didn’t have to worry about hanging a heat lamp, and I’m glad I did! It’s been working great, the cord is a nice length and the legs are super easy to adjust. I just wish I bought the cover to keep the chicks from jumping up and pooping all over the top.
Savannah B from Virginia
Love this warming plate. Better priced than most brands and works great. Chicks have no issues and there’s no overheating/burning etc. Always liked the Premier plates, they are a great investment.
Amy F from Ohio
I bought a large heat plate 6 or 7 years ago. This thing has seen it all and has worked amazing! I’ve used it for chickens, heritage turkeys, and fair turkeys. I just plugged it in to prepare for this years fair birds and it’s still working. It has not been taken care of well, we are rough on it and somehow it still works! I’m now planning to buy a new one just to be proactive and I’m definitely sticking with this product.
Dalton B from New York
My smaller heating plate has lasted two winters with quail walking and pooping all over it, it’s saved the birds many a freezing night. We bought two new ones to be larger and for the chicks, and it is such a relief to have happy chicks with a far reduced fire hazard and electricity cost. No more accidentally melting the chick tank edges with a heat lamp!
