Confused about heating sources for brooder

[vintage]

If you will have chicks regularly, spend the money on something along the line of the Brinsea EcoGlow. Chicks love it and you do not have to worry about over heating or any other issue from using a heat lamp.
If you do not plan to have chicks regularly then use the heat lamp. I have used both. I prefer the EcoGlow type brooder. They are spendy, but I love it so much I have multiple (not all Brinsea).

That's what I'm going with next!

 

[Alyssa-Bee]

Hello!

I am completely new at this--planning on ordering 15 chicks, and I am preparing the brooder. I have a few items that were given to me, but I am getting a bit confused with all the different types of heat sources and whether what I have is actually appropriate for the brooder or whether I need to go get something else.
I should I also mention that I have already read several threads about heat plates and heating pads etc. before asking these questions, so I am asking things that I could not find the answers to already in the recent threads.

Here is what I currently have:

--I have a 1.5 x 3' plastic tub for the initial brooder when they are very young in the first few weeks along with some textured shelf liner/paper towels
--I have a 250 watt red bulb (in the box) and metal work light clamp
--I also have a Thermo-Chicken heating pad from K&H. This is different apparently than the Thermo-Peep and also than the Thermo-Brooder Heat Plate that they sell...the website for K&H recommends using a Thermo Heat Plate to heat them from above for the first week or two, then the Thermo-peep heat mat, it doesn't mention the Thermo-Chicken pad at all, even though if you go to that item on their website it says that item 'helps chicks stay warm following birth'. But it seems as though maybe that chicken pad is actually for warming adult chickens when the temperatures get low? link here: https://khpet.com/products/thermo-chicken-heated-pad?_pos=1&_sid=887c2cda0&_ss=r

So my questions are:
--does this Thermo-chicken mat have a place in the brooder? If not, I like the idea of simulating the broody hen with a heat plate, but I already have a lamp--but I have read that this can often be too much heat, and it seems unnatural to have red light on them 24/7. Do people find that they are getting enough heat with the heat plate and how do you measure and adjust this when there are no attached temperature controls to any of these pads, plates, or lamps? (If you are supposed to do 95, then 90, then 85 degrees etc) I mean I can always use a surface temp thermometer (like for my compost), but what if I am not there for a few hours or overnight? Does anyone heat the bottom of the brooder with a heating pad and then give them the option of the heat plate in addition to this, and then expose them to natural light (rather than a lamp) during the day?
--I have looked at the Mama Heating Pad thread--but this seems a bit ambitious for me to attempt initially, and I am still a bit confused about how the chicks would stay warm if they are outside of the cave--it will be 65 degrees ambient temp in the area we are raising them.

Thanks, sorry for the beginner questions!

I think you're overthinking this. That's a good thing, though; It means you care! I would just use the heat lamp! I use a clamp lamp(which is now used for leo's deep heat projector)! When you get the chicks just observe them. If the chicks all huddle directly beneath the lamp, move it closer so they get more heat. If they are trying to avoid it, move it farther away.

 

[rosemarythyme]

I will probably end up getting the Ecoglow--but even that is a bit confusing. Everyone is saying that the box I have is too small, but the ecoglow 600 which is for 'up to 20 chicks' is only 12"x8"? I understand that the chicks huddle, and then need lots of room to run around, but if they aren't going to fit comfortably in the box after a week, how will they use a brooder plate that is less than 1 square foot wide after 1 week?

Honestly I don't think heat plates are very accurate with their numbers. A large heat pad (like 12"x24") would be good for maybe 16 chicks until weaned, so I too would question how 20 would fit under a 12"x8". 20 bantams, maybe.

 

[NNYchick]

Hello!

I am completely new at this--planning on ordering 15 chicks, and I am preparing the brooder. I have a few items that were given to me, but I am getting a bit confused with all the different types of heat sources and whether what I have is actually appropriate for the brooder or whether I need to go get something else.
I should I also mention that I have already read several threads about heat plates and heating pads etc. before asking these questions, so I am asking things that I could not find the answers to already in the recent threads.

Here is what I currently have:

--I have a 1.5 x 3' plastic tub for the initial brooder when they are very young in the first few weeks along with some textured shelf liner/paper towels
--I have a 250 watt red bulb (in the box) and metal work light clamp
--I also have a Thermo-Chicken heating pad from K&H. This is different apparently than the Thermo-Peep and also than the Thermo-Brooder Heat Plate that they sell...the website for K&H recommends using a Thermo Heat Plate to heat them from above for the first week or two, then the Thermo-peep heat mat, it doesn't mention the Thermo-Chicken pad at all, even though if you go to that item on their website it says that item 'helps chicks stay warm following birth'. But it seems as though maybe that chicken pad is actually for warming adult chickens when the temperatures get low? link here: https://khpet.com/products/thermo-chicken-heated-pad?_pos=1&_sid=887c2cda0&_ss=r

So my questions are:
--does this Thermo-chicken mat have a place in the brooder? If not, I like the idea of simulating the broody hen with a heat plate, but I already have a lamp--but I have read that this can often be too much heat, and it seems unnatural to have red light on them 24/7. Do people find that they are getting enough heat with the heat plate and how do you measure and adjust this when there are no attached temperature controls to any of these pads, plates, or lamps? (If you are supposed to do 95, then 90, then 85 degrees etc) I mean I can always use a surface temp thermometer (like for my compost), but what if I am not there for a few hours or overnight? Does anyone heat the bottom of the brooder with a heating pad and then give them the option of the heat plate in addition to this, and then expose them to natural light (rather than a lamp) during the day?
--I have looked at the Mama Heating Pad thread--but this seems a bit ambitious for me to attempt initially, and I am still a bit confused about how the chicks would stay warm if they are outside of the cave--it will be 65 degrees ambient temp in the area we are raising them.

Thanks, sorry for the beginner questions!

Don’t waste your money on the thermo chicken mat, I bought one a few years ago because I thought it would be easier to clean than heating pad but it’s junk was appropriate heat source for chicks.
I use a heating pad brooder plate I made. Works great for me, in year 4 of using it and have never worried about checking temperature because the chicks were quite and content.

 

[jreardon1918]

If you already have the coop and run setup, you might consider brooding outdoors. Did you mention where you are located?

We have brooded twice. The first with a heat lamp, second with a MHP. It sounds like you are going to use a heat plate. I think that is like the MHP. Anyway, I think you will find the heat plate frees you from focusing on temperatures.
Here is a link to our article on outdoor brooding. Brooder in covered run - Updated 7/11 Six weeks

 

[rosemarythyme]

I'm making a MHP right now, but I don't know how high or low to arch the fencing that I cut. The chicks are about 2-4 days old. (I got them on Sat., & they appeared to be over a day old then, from TSC.) Do you have any suggestions? Should I place a thermometer underneath and check that way, or measure a certain amount of headspace for them as they're walking in or lying down?

No need for a thermometer, just use your hand to make sure it's operating correctly (evenly warm throughout).

As far as the height, at the lowest they should be able to sit while touching/nearly touching the HMP, and at the highest, be able to stand and touch/nearly touch it. If it's too low, you can prop up 2 or 4 legs on scrap wood or bricks, depending on how high you need it, and if it's too high, adding more bedding under it will help make up the difference. You'll need to adjust it as they grow.

 

[khind]

No need for a thermometer, just use your hand to make sure it's operating correctly (evenly warm throughout).

As far as the height, at the lowest they should be able to sit while touching/nearly touching the HMP, and at the highest, be able to stand and touch/nearly touch it. If it's too low, you can prop up 2 or 4 legs on scrap wood or bricks, depending on how high you need it, and if it's too high, adding more bedding under it will help make up the difference. You'll need to adjust it as they grow.

One other thing: I'm so surprised that any kind of plastic wrap (Press n Seal, Saran Wrap, and - in Aart's version - a sheet of plastic) is able to be placed right up against the heating pad in many models, including the one I first read of, which Blooie wrote of. Makes me nervous. But it must all be ok and safe... Any thoughts on that or special considerations? The heating pad must not kick out enough heat to cause an issue?

 

[rosemarythyme]

One other thing: I'm so surprised that any kind of plastic wrap (Press n Seal, Saran Wrap, and - in Aart's version - a sheet of plastic) is able to be placed right up against the heating pad in many models, including the one I first read of, which Blooie wrote of. Makes me nervous. But it must all be ok and safe... Any thoughts on that or special considerations? The heating pad must not kick out enough heat to cause an issue?

Correct. The heat pad (unless malfunctioning) never heats up enough to melt/soften/damage the plastic. At the highest setting, I'd wager a heat pad gets in the low 100s as far as temperature, which is well below what it would take to affect plastic wraps.

 

[jonalisa]

Hello!

I am completely new at this--planning on ordering 15 chicks, and I am preparing the brooder. I have a few items that were given to me, but I am getting a bit confused with all the different types of heat sources and whether what I have is actually appropriate for the brooder or whether I need to go get something else.
I should I also mention that I have already read several threads about heat plates and heating pads etc. before asking these questions, so I am asking things that I could not find the answers to already in the recent threads.

Here is what I currently have:

--I have a 1.5 x 3' plastic tub for the initial brooder when they are very young in the first few weeks along with some textured shelf liner/paper towels
--I have a 250 watt red bulb (in the box) and metal work light clamp
--I also have a Thermo-Chicken heating pad from K&H. This is different apparently than the Thermo-Peep and also than the Thermo-Brooder Heat Plate that they sell...the website for K&H recommends using a Thermo Heat Plate to heat them from above for the first week or two, then the Thermo-peep heat mat, it doesn't mention the Thermo-Chicken pad at all, even though if you go to that item on their website it says that item 'helps chicks stay warm following birth'. But it seems as though maybe that chicken pad is actually for warming adult chickens when the temperatures get low? link here: https://khpet.com/products/thermo-chicken-heated-pad?_pos=1&_sid=887c2cda0&_ss=r

So my questions are:
--does this Thermo-chicken mat have a place in the brooder? If not, I like the idea of simulating the broody hen with a heat plate, but I already have a lamp--but I have read that this can often be too much heat, and it seems unnatural to have red light on them 24/7. Do people find that they are getting enough heat with the heat plate and how do you measure and adjust this when there are no attached temperature controls to any of these pads, plates, or lamps? (If you are supposed to do 95, then 90, then 85 degrees etc) I mean I can always use a surface temp thermometer (like for my compost), but what if I am not there for a few hours or overnight? Does anyone heat the bottom of the brooder with a heating pad and then give them the option of the heat plate in addition to this, and then expose them to natural light (rather than a lamp) during the day?
--I have looked at the Mama Heating Pad thread--but this seems a bit ambitious for me to attempt initially, and I am still a bit confused about how the chicks would stay warm if they are outside of the cave--it will be 65 degrees ambient temp in the area we are raising them.

Thanks, sorry for the beginner questions!

Where are you putting your brooder?
Mine is in the house, actually in my office. I have a Producer's Pride brooder heater plate for 8 chicks and the ambient room temp set at about 80 the first week. Their activity lets me know if the room is too cold or hot. It's now their second week and the room temp is about 75 degrees. they spend all day running around the brooder, climbing on dowels and scratching in a lasagna pan full of play sand.
The last two times I brooded chicks, I used a red heat lamp and thermometer. This time I am skipping the red light and finding a heater plate in a warm room much easier.
As for space, I think you will need a bigger brooder fairly quickly. My chicks are in a 6'x4' brooder my husband made - and while that seems enormous for 8 chicks, they cover every inch of it constantly. They get a lot of exercise and play - and the space is tall enough for them to practice flying until six weeks.

 

[ladybrasa]

Are you brooding inside the house or temp controlled building? Heat lamp can put out heat and is cheap, but downside is potential fire hazard and I think I read more energy consuming. I personally prefer a heat plate brooder. It is more expensive, but safer and consumes less energy. It will not be effective outside (unless it’s summer). Generally the companies seem to over estimate the number that can fit under there. Yes they huddle, but it’s nice to have a little space, and you can tilt the plate to have a gradient option for the chicks. Bro sea is a great brand, but also pricey. I was pleased with my rent-a-coop heat plate last year. Also gives them another “level” because they WILL jump on top of it too! As far as the momma heating pad/cave, that’s more for brooding outside in colder temps, I think. This year I will be trying it out, and you’ve probably read the success stories on BYC!