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
-
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
You must be logged in to leave a review. Please sign in.
Sarah C from Arizona
Very nice, easy to put together. My only problem is that I ordered two by accident.
The cover fits the plate like a dream. No more chick poop to clean off!
Katherine B from New York
Easy to set up and use, chicks took right to it!
Steve B from Vermont
85°F. Just don’t cut it! Maybe for older birds…
Stephen B from Utah
I love my heating plate for brooding young poultry, but from time to time the legs wear out or get broken. I am so glad that replacement legs are available as the original unit will last for a very long time.
I also like the plastic cover as it protects the unit from getting ruined from young fowl sitting/standing on top of the unit. Unfortunately over time this plastic cover gets brittle and can break. I am also glad that new covers are available.
Patricia M from Wisconsin
I initially started out with a 125W red heat lamp. Chicks seemed to do well, but I felt that 24/7 light cannot be a good thing — unnatural. Received the heat plate by the time my chicks were a week old. They are absolutely quiet at night and wake with the onset of natural daylight. It has been a long time since I have had chicks, but they seem to feathering out very quickly and are active and content. I do feel this is an improvement over a heat lamp in function and electricity consumption. My 16 chicks barely fit under there all at once even though the small is recommended for 20 chicks. The cover does keep them off the top and I am glad I got it as well.
