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
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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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Carol A from Fort Worth, Texas
Have had the small heating plate for a little over a week and LOVE it! My chicks were started on a heat lamp and I was able to turn it off and scoot them over to the plate. They went right under and are doing great! Didn't get the cover - I put some plastic wrap on the top and change it when it is dirty. I have 8 chicks under it. Highly recommend!
Patricia W from Southern Minnesota
We were a little leary of trying this, but had a scare with the red hanging heat bulb and thought we had to change. As soon as we put it in, the chicks all ran under it and immediately went to sleep! We couldn't believe how much they love it!
Now that we no longer have a light on 24/7, the chicks seem more well rested, in fact they don't get up until I turn the light on...one morning it was 10 AM! Another plus? When you go in to check on them in the morning, all you see are cute little sleeping heads sticking out.. Cuteness overload!
Dianne S from Oklahoma
We have both the large and small heating plates and will never turn back! They are energy efficient, and they only provide heat where it is needed, rather than the entire room like the heat bulbs do. Our chicks are calmer, healthier, and seem happier without the light glaring down on them. They instinctively know to go under the plate for warmth. Perfect!
Dianne S from Oklahoma
We purchased three large heating plates & three small plates. We skipped the covers thinking we'd just cover the plates with contact paper. Oh my, what a mess! We then ordered the plate covers, and though they are a little pricey, they have been worth every penny! They keep the chicks off the top of the plates, and they are sturdy. We would never have another heating plate without also having the cover!
Christopher S from Virginia
We purchased 2 of the large heating plates to use for indoor winter brooding of 100 chick batches of meat birds (Freedom Rangers). We have been extremely happy with these, because our chicks have been extremely happy! The birds appear to stay warm and satisfied (and quiet!), without piling up as they used to do under heat lamps. We also don't have to worry about constantly monitoring, raising, lowering, and turning on/off multiple heat lamps.
The units appear to be solidly made, and look like they will hold up well. Our farm may purchase more of these plates!
