Heating Plates for Chick Brooders
Product Details
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 with Wire Hanger, 1 quart capacity
Item #540224 -1 qt. capacity nipple drinker sits or hangs above the litter so water is always clean. For use in poultry brooders and cages. Includes wire hanger.
$8.50 -
Brooder Kits and Panels
Disposable Cardboard 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 Plastic 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
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Lisa H from Texas
I purchased these after having a small mishap involving a heat lamp, ducks, and plastic brooders. They were easy to put together, chicks seem happy with them, and even though I didn't get the covers, they are fairly easy to clean off. I purchased 3 small and 1 large. I wish there was a medium size. Large really only fits in my trough brooder, and the smalls are almost a little too small for 15 chicks once they start growing, much less the advertised 20. I made the mistake of initially installing it too short, and I did have 2 chicks (out of 40) that got very minor burns (more like irritation that scabbed) on their back from directly touching the plate for too long. I do appreciate that the chicks run on a normal day/night cycle, and use the heat as they need it. I've found that they adapt fairly well and feather out quicker than with the lamps, and really don't even need the plates after 3 weeks if they are indoors. The ones in the garage started using theirs again when I moved them out, but after a week of acclimation I don't see many underneath anymore. I look forward to using the large plate in the large trough out on the patio when winter officially passes. My only complaint is that they are quite expensive, and even though these are as close to "off brand" as we can get, I wish there was a less expensive plate style alternative. For now, since these are the least expensive option and work great, I will recommend them fully.
Kelly E from Missouri
I have used a small heating plate to raise chicks and ducklings for the past two years. I would recommend these to anyone looking for a safer alternative to using a heat lamp.
Carolyn M from Texas
So far so good. This is my fourth year to raise chicks and I used the standard heat lamp for the previous three years. I saw the great reviews for the heat plates and bought the medium and large sized plates. I picked up my new chicks this week and the heat plates are working very well. The temperature in my brooder shed dropped to 36 degrees and all of my chicks were warm and snug under the plate. They do seem more content - awake and active during the day and sleeping quietly at the night. I have not seen any chicks with pasty butt yet which I experienced using heat lamps. This product is working out very well for me.
Martha S from Virginia
One of the advantages of this is the chicks are awake during the day - really awake and active - and sleep at night since there's no light. They grew faster, were happier, and were more mature. Our chicks did prefer to roost on the plate instead of underneath it. I felt they must be warm enough, and they did adjust to cooler temperatures vey fast. I put some plastic wrap on the plate and would remove it in the morning.
Chicks were very happy, healthy and bonded beautifully. Very natural. Plus I put them outside much earlier and on cold nights put the plate in their roosting spot. Happy little campers! And they began egg laying early too.
Bill R from Texas
This is an amazing invention. Been raising chicks for a long time. Have had bulbs burn out, melt stuff, fall out and start fires, overheat chicks, etc. The heat plate works flawlessly, doesn't stress the chicks and makes for happy little birds!
