Heat lamp alternative

[jprice2ndlt]

I have seen on here you can use a heating pad as an alternative to a heat lamp. If I decide to do this what setting should it be on for chicks 3-4 weeks old. Is there anything special I need to put over it and will pine shavings hurt it.

 

[FenDruadin]

I've never done it for chicks, but my guess is that you want to put it under the brood box--for instance, OUTSIDE the plastic bin if you're using plastic bins. You definitely don't want chicks to have access to it--it's not made to withstand pecking, pooping, and scratching, nor do you want to have to clean it up after each batch of chicks. Personally, I would put it under one half of the brood box and leave the other half cool, so they can choose their own temp. Then I would measure to be sure the heated half gets warm enough.

Good luck! I'm wondering what I'm going to start doing once incandescent bulbs are no longer produced in the U.S...

 

[Kat the Chicken]

That would work if put the setting on low to medium- low. Never put pine around chicks or the adults themselves. It is toxic to small animals, including chickens. Same with Cedar. Plus, cedar attracts Black Widows.

 

[Debs55]

That would work if put the setting on low to medium- low.  Never put pine around chicks or the adults themselves.  It is toxic to small animals, including chickens.  Same with Cedar.  Plus, cedar attracts Black Widows.

No offense but pine is not toxic. Cedar however is but not because it is poisonous. It causes respiratory issues. I have been using pine shavings for chickens and other animals for years and so have most people on BYC

 

[debid]

I'd use a thermometer to check for a temperature on the surface matching a broody's body -- 102-103 I've been told.

And a big "What??? " on the shavings claims. Can anyone cite a source for cedar attracting black widows? That sounds like it comes straight out of the Enquirer.

Any wood with an aroma can be irritating to sensitive respiratory systems. People have used pine and cedar without incident but there is also the potential for a problem, particularly in a closed-in space. Pine is thought to be less irritating than cedar and Aspen is less than pine. Or, you can avoid wood shavings altogether. Your call.