Spent a whole winter using a heat lamp before switching to a brooder plate

I was convinced heat lamps were the way to go because they're what everyone talks about, but after 3 chicks got too close and singed their feathers (they're fine, don't worry) I swapped to a $40 brooder plate. The difference in movement is huge - they actually sleep under it instead of huddling in a corner. Has anyone else noticed their chicks acting calmer with a plate versus a lamp?

2 comments

2 Comments

fisher.reese5d ago

Read something from a poultry vet online saying that heat lamps mess with their natural sleep cycles. Something about the constant red light keeping them restless. Makes sense when you think about it... a brooder plate mimics the warmth of a hen's belly, so they actually settle down. My birds went from peeping all night to dead quiet once I switched too.

rivera.jake4d ago

Oh man, same here! I switched after the second batch of chicks kept huddling away from the lamp. That red glow at 3am when I'm checking on them just felt wrong. With the plate they actually spread out under it like little pancakes. Total game changer.