I know Sunbeam makes a few models of heating pad that either don't have auto-shutoff or you can disable the auto-shutoff feature. You want one of those. Also, get a model that has the option of moist heat. On those, the heating element is encased in a plastic case so it's okay if it gets wet...
And people wonder why their chicks die.
Most of the time, the employees at the feed store are only needed to ring up my purchase and carry heavy bags to my truck for me. We'd like them to be a fount of information, but alas, no.
Do it. That's what I did with my last brood and I am never going back. I am never brooding chicks in the house ever again. I see now that brooding in the house with that god-awful lamp (or even outside with that god-awful lamp) is the most ridiculous way to brood chicks. I think that people do...
I agree. I don't know if that is the cause for the high death rate, but I believe more chicks are killed by well-intentioned people using the ****** brooder lamp than any other cause. I brooder mine outside with the heating pad. They're less stressed and can regulate their warmth needs.