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.
$6.00 -
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
Write a Review
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Whitney R from California
I LOVE this product. We live in the mountains and early spring can be unpredictable as far as weather. The days are often warm but the nights down into the 40's and it's not uncommon to get a late snow. Anyways I bought the small hearing plate with cover because I wanted something safer than a heating lamp and better for the chicks. I was given three 2 week old chicks who used it at night for a week but then decided the topwas a roosting place instead. I was still waiting on my top because it was originally back ordered. This week I got 10 little chicks and 2 ducks who were just a little bit older. This is where it became difficult. You have to make it low enough for the chicks but high enough for the ducks. It's hard to have a range of chick sizes with this product but over all it's really good and the animals seem to love it.
S S
I definitely recommend a heat plate over a heat lamp. It gives the chicks a normal day/night cycle and appears that the chicks are healthier and more confident. They appear to feather earlier and are much better able to regulate their own warmth needs. It also gives them a place to hide under their "mamma" like they would with a broody. (Of course, I'd always choose a broody hen as first choice, but when none of the ladies is cooperating this is a great "second-best".)
I am disappointed that Premier does not sell the temperature controller for US as my plate was very hot to the touch - hot enough to burn my hand. Since I was unable to get the temperature controller, I used a lamp dimmer switch cord with mine with great success.
I'm also disappointed that they are not stocking the Extra Large plate at this time as I'd love to purchase a second plate to use with meat chicks this spring and the other models are too small to brood a dozen at a time.
Leslie P from North Carolina
This is our first year trying out the chicken thing, and the 250 watt heat lamp I had in my basement for the brooder made me nervous--both for fire and energy cost. I found this, and took pause a little because of the cost, but I thought it would be worth it. My chicks love it! I know it is going to cost so much less to operate it, it should last for awhile, there is no way it would start a fire, and it seems so much more natural for the chicks. I think everyone with a brooder box should invest in one of these. Even though they are more than a typical heat lamp, these are much less expensive than several of the other low energy options.
Liza S from West Virginia
This has been awesome for my babies. I have used this indoors and in my outdoor cellar house for Chicks, poults and Guineas. It's pretty cool in the cellar and the chicks come and go under it in the brooder as needed. So much safer than heat lamps. I plan on buying another this year.
Justin B from Virginia
Great product so far, chicks love it, a lot cheaper on the electric bill and a lot safer! Good price as well compared to other similar products. definitely recommend the cover to keep the poop off the top.
