Heater question

[aim0474]

I ended up with 4 2 week old RIR chicks today. The last grpup I used a heat lamp for. This one I wpuld rather not use the heat lamp. I got a chicken heat mat. I put it on 2x4s and then used a white mesh self over it with a towel. I have 2 sleeping on it and 2 off.

I am just second guessing myself with this set up and want to be sure this is ok.

I dont have any cover over the heat pad. Should I? Anything else I need to worry about?

Thanks for advice or opinions on this!

 

[aim0474]

This is the heat pad by the way.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00JHK375E/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

[aim0474]

Oh and they are in my garage and it will probably get down to low 40's the next few nights, but lower 40's later this week.

should I plug the heat lamp in?

 

[azygous]

The heat pad should be plenty. A heat lamp on top of that could make things too hot.

Picture a broody hen outside with her brood of baby chicks. She has no heat lamp because it's not necessary. She puts out all the heat the chicks need. And they aren't glued to her underparts, either. They're running around taking care of important chick business, and they duck under mama when they feel chilled. Once warmed, they're off to the races again.

If you can, rig the heat pad so they can get under it and have direct contact with it. It should just touch their backs. You will need to raise it each week as they grow. Eventually, they will start sleeping on top of it as their feathers enable them to start regulating their body temperature.

I wonder if that chick pad is something new. We've been using people heating pads for the past couple years here, and maybe the idea is catching on and someone has designed a pad just for this particular use. Although, my heating pad gets plenty of use when it's not warming baby chicks. I have cold feet year round, and it comes in real handy for that.

 

[aim0474]

Thanks!

I will hang the pad tomorrow so they can get under it. Since it is rigid and has holes for screws, I will add chain and hang it from the top of thr brooder.

They actually seemed happier with that vs. the light. i was just gun shy since I just lost a hen today.