Baby chicks need heat.
Your brooder does not necessarily need a 250-watt light bulb hanging over it to provide it.
The Chick Brooder Heat Plate creates a warm, sheltered spot that mimics the way chicks tuck underneath a mother hen. Instead of heating the entire brooder, chicks move underneath the plate and warm themselves by getting close to its heated underside. When they're warm enough, they simply walk back out.
With four sizes from 15 to 66 watts, these plates use considerably less electricity than traditional brooder heat lamps while operating at a much lower surface temperature.
All sizes have adjustable yellow legs that allow the plate height to range from approximately 1.5" to 6" as chicks grow. The 70" power cord gives you plenty of room for brooder setup.
Capacity is a manufacturer guideline, not a challenge. Make sure every chick can comfortably get underneath the plate without crowding, especially as they grow.
Add the Chick Brooder Heat Plate Cover to discourage chicks from perching and pooping on top of the plate.
Want more control? The Heating Plate Temperature Controller lets you adjust plate output from 20% to 100%.
Adjust the yellow legs so the underside of the plate sits low enough to almost touch the chicks' backs when they're underneath it. As they grow, raise the plate to give them more room.
Don't try to heat the entire brooder to a specific temperature with the plate. The whole point is to give chicks access to warmth when they want it and room to move away when they don't.
Watch your chicks and make sure everyone can comfortably fit beneath the plate without piling or crowding.
To clean, unplug the plate and allow it to cool. Hand wash or wipe away dust and debris as needed, but do not submerge the plate in water.
Warm chicks.
Lower wattage.
And one less extremely hot light bulb hanging over a box full of pine shavings.
That's a trade we'll take.