Pseudo Brooder Heater 'Plate'

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I've seen several people use 'pet bed warmers' very similar to this link.
In fact it looks like the manufacturer caught on to that and is marketing it to the poultry industry.

I really want to know how this claim works:
"Thermostatically controlled to warm to animals normal body temperature."
And if you mount it on the wall, does it give off enough heat for 20 chicks?
 
OK.... new year, new ideas, new chickie babies in the incubator.

Got this heating pad that Blooie had success with.

Found a rack that's been kicking around in my garage for years that fit perfect.
Used some 2x2's, tnuts, and carriage bolts to mount adjustable feet.
Bolts can be easily changed out for longer ones if needed.




Used bottle caps as washers and dry wall screws to attach rack to 2x2's.


Nice little lip on back of rack holds pad from sidling off.
ETA link to heating pad I purchased:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005NZ66KU/?tag=backy-20


Piece of 3/16 luan plywood to protect pad, will cover wood with peel and stick plastic for washability.
Wood is heavy and 'sticky' enough to not slide around without attachment.
 
Last edited:
@Art

Nice job ....
pop.gif


deb
 
Awesome Aart! My seed mat doesnt get that warm either, I figured Id use it when they're older & need lower temps.

I get my chicks tomorrow. Ive been adjusting the brooder, checking temps, etc. My pseudo-brooder temp hit 85 underneath on med. setting. Trying out the high setting now. So I added some things. I added a piece of vinyl tablecloth to the top of the heating pad for easy cleaning and put in place with clips. I noticed the wire from the rack gets a little hot underneath so I was thinking about putting a piece of flannel underneath until I had a better idea. I made my daughter homemade flamingo wings for her costume last Halloween so decided to put that underneath instead to emulate a mother hens warm, fluffy bottom. Hehehe! I do have a heat lamp for back up in case this pseudo-brooder doesnt work out or they dont like it. Ill report back tomorrow evening.

Underneath view



Overhead view



Heat lamp in case


Underneath: Feathers and felt


Side view. We raised it up a bit with bolts.

 
Under mine the temp was 82.9, and my day old chicks thrived. They are now 3 & 4 weeks old, have been living outside in a pen inside the main run, and have been since the older chicks were 1 week and the younger ones were day olds. Oh, and our daytime temps sometimes made it to the mid-40s and st night it was in the 20s. i now have the heating pad turned down to 3 and many of them aren't even using it anymore.
 

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