Chick Heating Method (Radiant Heat)

[RoosterML]

If you seriously want to hatch, I would strongly suggest you do not buy one of those foam incubators.

Fine, burst my bubble why don't you.
Time to head over to hatching thread so I don't side track this one.

 

[wyoDreamer]

I got a heating mat for the Cornish X chicks that I had last fall. I had used the MHP for 2 batches of layer chicks, DH wanted to try the mat this time. Only 2 of the chicks would use the mat, the rest pig-piled in the corner of the brooder. I spent 2 days moving chicks to the heating mat, and they would come running out and climb onto the pile ...
I ended up putting in the MHP set-up, and had better luck with that. But I had put in a bigger feeder and they were running out of corners to pile up in, the MHP was put in a corner. They didn't need heat for long though, those little Cornish X chicks put out a lot of heat - and poop!

 

[RoosterML]

I got a heating mat for the Cornish X chicks that I had last fall. I had used the MHP for 2 batches of layer chicks, DH wanted to try the mat this time. Only 2 of the chicks would use the mat, the rest pig-piled in the corner of the brooder. I spent 2 days moving chicks to the heating mat, and they would come running out and climb onto the pile ...
I ended up putting in the MHP set-up, and had better luck with that. But I had put in a bigger feeder and they were running out of corners to pile up in, the MHP was put in a corner. They didn't need heat for long though, those little Cornish X chicks put out a lot of heat - and poop!

Did you put anything over the mat? Kinda like a little place to go hide under/into.

 

[wyoDreamer]

Not at first, but I did by the end of the second day, still a no go. I think I put the MHP right over the heat mat that second night because it was supposed to get pretty chilly. I checked in the morning and 6 were under the MHP, the other 8 were piled in the corner on top of the food tray...

 

[RoosterML]

Not at first, but I did by the end of the second day, still a no go. I think I put the MHP right over the heat mat that second night because it was supposed to get pretty chilly. I checked in the morning and 6 were under the MHP, the other 8 were piled in the corner on top of the food tray...

I have heard of some saying that you need to hold them in there as to teach them.

 

[wleigh1021]

I have raised 3 batches of chicks using this method. I have a storage container that has the open front (the kind that stack) I put the small sized k&h heating pad on the bottom of the bin (supposed to get to 102 degrees) and cover that with the grippy shelf liner without holes to try and keep the bin and heater as clean as possible. I top the bin with a metal shelf rack and lay a seedling mat on top of that. I think the seedling mat gets about 20 degrees warmer than the air temp. I've raised them in the garage like this when the temps are around 50 degrees. I had no issues. Day one and 2 I usually microwave a rice sock and put it in a plastic bag and put it in the bin for a little extra warmth a few times a day. I don't think its necessary but they like it. From the chicken chick's post about the ecoglow brooder I think you could also cover the 2 heat items with contact paper to make it easy to clean. the shelf liner works ok but definitely not 100% clean, but no big deal to me as everything is washable.

This year I bought 2 cozy coops to raise chicks since I will be raising them outside in the coop I wanted something that gets hotter and is larger since I will be hatching larger batches. since these get 155-165 degrees I'm not sure I want to put anything on them like the shelf liner or contact paper. I was thinking about mounting one on the wall and laying one on top like I did the seedling mat, but I bet if they jump up there it will burn their little feet. I'll have to think more about how to work around hotter heaters.

 

[wleigh1021]

Here's a pic of my set up. As you can see once they get large enough to climb on top they can easily knock off the shelf liner on the seedling mat haha. no worries it's meant to be ok to get water on it and such. I had everything on hand except the k&h heater that they're standing on so it only cost me about $25 to make this.

 

[wyoDreamer]

Those Cornish X were so different than the layer chicks, so don't read too much into my experience. They eat so much and have such a high metabolism, that they create a lot of heat. I mean those little bodies are very warm to the touch. I was more afraid of them overheating if the day temps got too hot.
Once they hit 4 weeks and were mostly feathered, I removed the MHP and unplugged the heat mat. They were fine in the 50 degree barn without the extra heat. They were avoiding the heat mat area when it was plugged in and they needed the space to spread out some. Of course, at 4 weeks old, my layer chicks were sleeping on the top of the MHP cave most nights also.

 

[RoosterML]

Here's a pic of my set up. As you can see once they get large enough to climb on top they can easily knock off the shelf liner on the seedling mat haha. no worries it's meant to be ok to get water on it and such. I had everything on hand except the k&h heater that they're standing on so it only cost me about $25 to make this.View attachment 1642836

Very nice,
So I take it you've looked at the photos
I have posted along with the results from testing. Total 1st time setup cost is $20. $14heat pad, $1 foil tray,$5 foam. After that if you Chuck the tin tray away it's $1 to replace so not bad.
Glad to hear your results.
I agree that I believe while not needed for heat more so for overall comfort that the chicks prefer to have an overhead/nesting area to go hide in.

 

[RoosterML]

@wleigh1021 did you put anything under your heating pad so that your heat wasn't stolen downwards?