Heating pads instead of heat lamps?

[huntsman]

I'm expecting some day olds any day now, and would like to know if I can use heat mats (the kind for reptiles) instead of heating lights?

Thanks!

 

[wing it]

I have used the type for plants they get to about 80' so I still used a light. Just made sure chicks could not get to it and peck it

 

[Prettiest Frog]

I use a heating pad in my tiny 'extra care' brooder as it's small enough that the lights tend to make it too warm. Right now I'm using it for 7 little quail and it works fine. Setting it on medium keeps them nice and toasty warm.

 

[HEChicken]

I used one. My brooder was a dog crate and I had the reptile mat under one corner at the back. It worked great when I only had 4 chicks but when I got a MPC order of 26 chicks, the mat wasn't big enough to keep them all warm and I had to switch to another brooder with lights instead. One thing I liked about the heating pad though, was that they could have a natural day/night cycle instead of lights on 24/7.

ETA: DH just pointed out I should mention that he was concerned about it being a fire hazard. To alleviate the danger of this, I used a couple of small stones to press the pad up against the plastic tray of the dog crate, which created air flow between the heating pad and the carpet.

 

[catdaddy66]

This advice is gleaned thru research only, no practical experience. Chicks seem to like the heat source overhead, much like that of a mother hen. The reptile pad wood suffice (@80 degrees) for two week old chicks and older.

 

[txchickie]

We have a puppy heating pad that will go between 98-101 and I'm considering using that for my chicks that will ship wednesday. They will be in the house where it's 70deg anyway.

Heat lamps make me nervous with my toddler around!

 

[MagsC]

I used one in a smaller brooder for quail but uncertain how one would work in a larger brooder.

 

[Dread Pirate Roberts]

Last year, I read somewhere on byc about handing a feather duster(s) above a heating pad and the peeps would huddle under the feather duster.

I've been curious to try it, but I aintchet.

 

[HEChicken]

Quote:
I did this, except with a plush toy instead. They loved to huddle under the plush, sitting on the heat pad - seemed to feel very cozy to them. I'm not sure about the PP who said her reptile pad didn't go higher than 80 - I think it must have been defective. Most snakes like to be at around 95 so the pads are designed to provide that temp for them. And actually, the directions on the pad usually suggest plugging it into a rheostat to ensure it doesn't get too hot. I had mine on a rheostat for the snakes and had to turn it DOWN a little to maintain 95. Here is a pic of the chicks with their "mama".

 

[MagsC]

HEChicken, I absolutely love that pic! What a wonderful idea!! Especially with smaller groups of chicks I would think?