[eddy h]

Just wondered if any one has ever used one of those electric brooders ,the black plate type that sits on legs above the chicks.Are they any good ,and is there enough room underneath them for the chicks as they grow.I have only ever used lamps before ,but these seem a bit more economical on electricity consumption.would like advice please before i splash the cash.

[Roughlee Handled]

I got a hell of a shock last year after my lamps and 3 hatchings. 
I know there was a big discussion on here and there is allot of love for the electric hen.  I am going to get on this year.
Do a search and I am sure you will find the info.

[Foxy]

I use the same electric hen, and I think they are brilliant. They use much less electric and you never have to worry re; blown bulbs. The legs are adjustable, when they have just hatched I have the back legs lower than the front so the can choose how much heat they feel comfortable with. Doesn't take long and they are all perched on top anyway!

[treacleminer]

I've only ever hatched once and used an electric hen - the chicks seemed to like it, having something to 'hide' under must be more natural for them.  But - do watch out for the houdini's amongst them using it as a launch pad

[goodegg]

i use the flat one its about 18ins square very good ,i bought it because of cost of elec it used to cost allmost twice my elec bill with the lights but now i dont notice any differance for elec with this.

[eddy h]

Thanks a lot everyone.I am gonna buy one,the chicks in the picture look pretty happy ,so that will do for me.Not only that but i have yet to recieve my revised electricity bill from last spring after running 2� 150 watt bulbs for six weeks,think i'm in for a nasty shock... 

[Chookiechook]

I have got one and although I wasnt initially happy with it.... it was more my imagination that wasnt happy rather than my reality

I have seramas under mine at the moment and they range from 1 week to 4 weeks and they all seem to fit and are equally happy..... the older ones stray out more and sit on the top more but the younger ones sit underneath happily.

[death of rats]

Apart from the strange leg structure I think they are brilliant.
I have a reptile heat lamp also and use the hen more.
Dont buy off ebay cause it is not the cheapest source.
You should be able to get one for about �40 including postage.
Cant remember where I got mine from but it was a supplier of chicken keeping products.