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
-
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
You must be logged in to leave a review. Please sign in.
Benjamin A from Kentucky
Absolutely wonderful product for the small homestead.
I’m a tightwad, but I also didn’t want to have to clean one more thing on this little farm. I pried open the wallet and invested in the cover and I’m. So. Glad! Absolutely worth it!
Jay R from Game changer!
Tired of paying for so much heat when using 250W lamps and also tired of losing chicks when they huddle in a heap under a lamp or two heaps under two lamps, we decided to spring money for the (large) heating plates. They have made chick survival 100% in the first week, even when the nights have frosted.
I did not buy the “covers” and now wish I would have done that. In place of covers I am covering the heater tops with plastic so that I can remove it and take all the chicken poop off with it. I did not anticipate chicks jumping up there so fast but it seems to be the best place to poop in the pen (dang it!)
I would absolutely recommend these. If you lose chicks to cold then you need these!
Diane A from Texas
I have purchased 3 of these heating plates and am very happy with them. I also ordered the thermostat that you can plug them into which is a life saver.
Kay V from Georgia
I have a Brinsea also for 50 chicks. This one is also rated for 50 chicks and is bigger, the legs raise higher and was less expensive than the Brinsea. The legs are stronger and I like the way they attach and adjust better than Brinsea. However the Brinsea has a thermosat with it.
I kept the legs high to allow heat control and was able to keep them outside in porch cage. Nite temps here were running 40°F to 50°F. The top cover is a must and keeps the top clean. Sticker they put on one side was confusing, as it labeled the top as the bottom. The metal goes down.
Kerry P from Massachusetts
I have 3 different heating plates. 1 from Tractor Supply and another off brand. This one works great and is very consistent based on the room temperature. It’s not on its own thermostat though, which is kind of crazy if you ask me for the price. Also for the price, why can’t they just include the cord that alters the current flow so that you can have it not so hot in hotter environments? I mean they have it, just include it. It is necessary to have. I have a much cheaper one (my 3rd brand) and it comes with a regulator built in!
If your room is 70°F or higher you will need the regulator to lower the temp, or if you are using a small area like a tote, you’ll need it for the little ones because it can get over 100°F. Use a hygrometer that connects to WiFi so you know and it will send you warnings.
