Help with MHP - Got chicks today, getting cold tonight

[Treerooted]

I'm looking for some reassurance or advice!!

I picked up my chicks today, so of course it's going to drop down to 3 tonight (36 F).
I've read lots about the MHP but I couldn't seem to find anything about indicators that would let you know it was enough heat for the chicks (peeping?). I'm guessing everything's fine, but I'm in first-timers mode and am worrying about it

My concerns:

How do I know the MHP is warm enough for the chicks?


Here's my set up:

Piece of old fence with two heating pads to cover.
One is a seed mat, the other is the large sunbeam, both will give continuous heat.
Sweater on top with some press and seal for easier clean up.
The whole thing is inside a large box
Brooder is located in our large (unheated) shop
There are 36 chicks

Pictures:






Thanks!

 

[azygous]

Yes, your MHP will keep your chicks warm enough.

Here are the things to do to be certain:

-Make sure the underside of the pads are the sides with the writing on it because it's warmer than the blank side.

-Make sure the pads are touching the chicks' backs.

-If it's the chicks' first two weeks, set it on the highest setting.

-Throw a wool blanket over the top of the entire setup to hold the heat in.

-Make sure that there are moveable flaps on all sides so if any chicks get crowded and piled on they get squirted out the sides instead of smothered.

 

[Treerooted]

Yes, your MHP will keep your chicks warm enough.

Here are the things to do to be certain:

-Make sure the underside of the pads are the sides with the writing on it because it's warmer than the blank side.

-Make sure the pads are touching the chicks' backs.

-If it's the chicks' first two weeks, set it on the highest setting.

-Throw a wool blanket over the top of the entire setup to hold the heat in.

-Make sure that there are moveable flaps on all sides so if any chicks get crowded and piled on they get squirted out the sides instead of smothered.

Thank you @azygous

I'm not sure if they are touching the chicks backs...I couldn't get it lower. Can you tell by the picture if it's an acceptable height?



I was worried about the crowding as well, but since it's in a box they would still get crowded into a corner...only without heat. Now I have a more worries

I know a lot of MHP user don't have the two ends open, so I thought one entrance would be ok....

I used an old fleece sweater on top... do you figure I should add an extra layer?

The seed pad doesn't have adjustable settings so it's just "on", and the sunbeam goes up to "6" which is what I have it set to. I figured there's enough room around in there they could move to the most comfortable spot.