Just wanted to share - our second time with a MHP, and first time brooding completely outdoors in the run!
We have fifteen 5-7 week old chicks that have been in the run since the younger ones were 2.5 weeks old and weaned themselves off heat (they started out in a brooder in the barn).
And we have another 15 coming this week! So excited!
Here's our new brooder which I set up today:
There's a green plastic fence in the part between the two pieces of plywood, which will serve as both a gate for me and so that the two flocks get used to each other right off the bat.
And here's the heating pad set up:
It is a piece of wire fence, with the pad attached to the bottom of it with small bungee cords. Then it's wrapped in a pillow case, and taped shut to avoid anyone getting stuck inside.
On top of that I draped a floor rag, to absorb any runny poos once they start to perch on top of their cave. I may need to bungee or tape that down, we'll see how it holds up. But I wanted it to be super easy to change out as it will get dirty, fast!
The whole thing is resting on top of two pieces of 2x4, to give them enough height to go under the pad.
I'm still not sure that's the right height - I'll adjust it when they come and I see how they fit under it!
Also, I'm thinking that once the littles have settled in and all look good, I'll start leaving a small part of the green fence open, as a gate between the brooder and the run. That will allow the babies to go out and meet the big ones, and still run inside for safety when they need to.
I'd welcome any feedback - and if you see anything I might have missed, let me know!
(Obviously food and water dishes will go in once the chicks arrive
)
We have fifteen 5-7 week old chicks that have been in the run since the younger ones were 2.5 weeks old and weaned themselves off heat (they started out in a brooder in the barn).
And we have another 15 coming this week! So excited!
Here's our new brooder which I set up today:
There's a green plastic fence in the part between the two pieces of plywood, which will serve as both a gate for me and so that the two flocks get used to each other right off the bat.
And here's the heating pad set up:
It is a piece of wire fence, with the pad attached to the bottom of it with small bungee cords. Then it's wrapped in a pillow case, and taped shut to avoid anyone getting stuck inside.
On top of that I draped a floor rag, to absorb any runny poos once they start to perch on top of their cave. I may need to bungee or tape that down, we'll see how it holds up. But I wanted it to be super easy to change out as it will get dirty, fast!
The whole thing is resting on top of two pieces of 2x4, to give them enough height to go under the pad.
I'm still not sure that's the right height - I'll adjust it when they come and I see how they fit under it!
Also, I'm thinking that once the littles have settled in and all look good, I'll start leaving a small part of the green fence open, as a gate between the brooder and the run. That will allow the babies to go out and meet the big ones, and still run inside for safety when they need to.
I'd welcome any feedback - and if you see anything I might have missed, let me know!
(Obviously food and water dishes will go in once the chicks arrive
)
), 
