Heat source

[modenacart]

I plan on using a heat pad under the plastic brooder for a heat source to keep the chicks warm. Is this going to work?

 

[hypnofrogstevie]

I would not know. I think they are supposed absorbe heat through the body. I never done a heat mat though so I would not know

 

[silkiechicken]

If the inside of the brooder reaches 95 F, then it would work. I don't know how hot that pad is going to get though, and if it's going to be hot enough for the chicks. I'd reccomend a heat lamp or regular lamp if you don't have that many chicks. A 100W bulb even works inside if you have a reflector.

 

[modenacart]

The heat pads worked really well with baby squirrel, baby opposums, ground hogs, mice and baby rabbits. Wasn't sure about the chickens though.

 

[hypnofrogstevie]

put a thermometer in there to check the temps. Should be around 95F

 

[silkiechicken]

Put a thermometer on the floor and see if it gets warm enough. Looks like I was beat!

 

[Katy]

I've never tried that. Is there still going to be an area that they can get away from the heat source? I guess that and if water were spilled on it would be my concerns.

 

[modenacart]

The heat pad would be under only part of the box. It looks like its not going to get hot enough.

 

[modenacart]

It looks like it might work. We made a carboard "house" to put over the heating pad and the temperature held at about 96 or so. I need to try it with an inch of litter before they get here.

 

[plapczynski]

What we have done with getting seedlings to germinate is to use a water bed heater under a air mattress filled with water (instead of air) to help distribute the heat evenly. I don't know how hot it would get though.