K&H Thermo-Poultry Brooder

Details

A heat lamp over a brooder box runs hot all night, lights the room around the clock and gives chicks nowhere dark to settle. A brooder plate works closer to the way a hen does: the birds go under it when they want warmth and come out when they do not, and the room around them stays dark and cool. Two sizes are offered. The small plate measures roughly 34 by 20 cm with 20 cm legs (13.5 by 8 by 8 in), draws 25 watts and suits up to about 15 chicks. The large is roughly 51 by 29 cm at the same 20 cm leg height (20 by 11.5 by 8 in), draws 40 watts and handles up to about 30. Both use a pegged shelf system so height and angle can be raised as the birds grow, which matters, because a plate left low becomes a step rather than a shelter within a week or two. Set it flat and level in the brooder with clear space around all sides so chicks can get out from under it easily, and check the height every few days through the first fortnight. Chicks grow faster than most people adjust for. The surface wipes clean with a damp cloth and mild detergent. Both sizes are MET listed and covered by a two-year limited warranty. There is no on-off switch, so unplug it when the brooder comes down. Use a grounded circuit with GFCI protection, outdoor rated if the brooder is in a shed or unheated outbuilding, and keep the cord run tight and out of reach of birds and rodents. Your veterinarian or hatchery can advise on brooding temperatures for the breed and age you are raising.