Heating pad temp for just hatched chicks?

[Blessedthistle]

I just got my chicks delivered (only 3), apparently hatched yesterday and mailed out last night. They look good but are looking for warmth. The first ones I got last week arrived dead from being rerouted/delayed by USPS. I had made the mama heating pad setup prior to their arrival. I had it set too tall (these guys are tiny!) and after I lowered it they got cozy and quieted down. I have an accurate thermometer tucked under the bungee but on high it's really too hot, and although I have the thing slanted so they can choose their own comfort, I worry that since they are still so wobbly that they won't move around and will overheat. What is a good starting temp for them? I know I will have to let them tell me and make adjustments as we go. Also, when will they start eating and drinking? I dipped their beaks, but no interest in anything but warmth right now.

 

[SurferchickinSB]

If it is a heating pad, I would just put it on medium. Heating pads get really hot!

 

[bobbi-j]

I just got my chicks delivered (only 3), apparently hatched yesterday and mailed out last night. They look good but are looking for warmth. The first ones I got last week arrived dead from being rerouted/delayed by USPS. I had made the mama heating pad setup prior to their arrival. I had it set too tall (these guys are tiny!) and after I lowered it they got cozy and quieted down. I have an accurate thermometer tucked under the bungee but on high it's really too hot, and although I have the thing slanted so they can choose their own comfort, I worry that since they are still so wobbly that they won't move around and will overheat. What is a good starting temp for them? I know I will have to let them tell me and make adjustments as we go. Also, when will they start eating and drinking? I dipped their beaks, but no interest in anything but warmth right now.

I don’t rely on a thermometer - they will let you know how they’re doing. It’s good that you have it slanted so they can choose how close to it they need to be. They will be able to move around on their own - just give them some time to adjust.

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

My mama heat pad starts on high... by the end of the first week it's generally on medium.....they will tell you what they need by hanging out at the front or sitting on top if it's too warm

 

[Blessedthistle]

If it is a heating pad, I would just put it on medium. Heating pads get really hot!

Yes! When I first checked it it was at 127!

 

[Blessedthistle]

What worried me was that even with it on really high they didn't come out. And were totally quiet. So I kept running in to make sure they were alive. Now I have it on low and it's 111 degrees, but there's alot of cheeping. Once they are hopping around a bit I will feel better about them self regulating. It's just that I know that there isn't a mama hen alive that would be 127 degrees so I figured that wasn't good!

 

[chickens really]

Chicks actually should be heated from above and not bellow...

 

[aart]

What worried me was that even with it on really high they didn't come out. And were totally quiet. So I kept running in to make sure they were alive. Now I have it on low and it's 111 degrees, but there's alot of cheeping. Once they are hopping around a bit I will feel better about them self regulating. It's just that I know that there isn't a mama hen alive that would be 127 degrees so I figured that wasn't good!

How and where are you measuring these temps?
Pics of your MHP would really help(at a chicks eye view).
What kind of pad are you using(link to exact product, please)?

 

[Criticalicious]

Keep in mind that ambient air temp may be lower than right up against the HP, and chicks will stand up or crouch down or move to get closer or further away from the heat and self-regulate. Depending how chilled they were, they might need an hour or two to get comfortable, and then they should be looking for food and water.