Keeping baby chicks inside, and fire hazards

[blackdog043]

I have 13 chicks, with the x-large sunbeam heating pad, currently on 6. I'll turn it down to 5 in another week and continue turning it down weekly, as long as they are happy. When they go under at night, not a peep is heard, so I know they're fine. I would think all heating pads are equally effective, as long as they will stay on constantly. The chicks will let you know if they're not comfy.

 

[Thepriceofbeauty]

Good to know. Are all heating pads equally effective? How many chicks?
Mary

We went with the Thermo Peep, and put a small box with a few hand towels on top, its currently sitting between 90-95°

 

[Folly's place]

Chicks can be irresistible! That's how we go from four to ten to thirty to forty or more! Just ask me!
Mary

 

[Thepriceofbeauty]

Chicks can be irresistible! That's how we go from four to ten to thirty to forty or more! Just ask me!
Mary

Yes very true! We pick up our other two on Thursday. We are allowed 6 here so we shall see what happens

 

[blackdog043]

We went with the Thermo Peep, and put a small box with a few hand towels on top, its currently sitting between 90-95°

Is the box big enough for them to get away from the heat? Your gonna need a lot of towels, they will get pretty poppy. With the heating pad, it should be above them. Does your pad always stay on? I've not seen the type of pad your using, used before on here. These pics were from the other day, when they were in the garage for a couple days, now there in the coop, in a dog x-pen, with the pad still.

 

[Thepriceofbeauty]

Is the box big enough for them to get away from the heat? Your gonna need a lot of towels, they will get pretty poppy. With the heating pad, it should be above them. Does your pad always stay on? I've not seen the type of pad your using, used before on here. These pics were from the other day, when they were in the garage for a couple days, now there in the coop, in a dog x-pen, with the pad still.

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Yes they are currently in a 3ft x 2 ft Tupperware inside a wire dog kennel. They have got their food and water on the end opposite of the pad. The pad lays on the bottom and provides heat when they lay on it. We built a little cave to trap some of the warm air, with a thermometer inside and it’s right at 95. Seems to be working good so far! Can’t find many user reviews, except a few threads and the knowledgeable lady that sold it to me. I’ll definitely report back In a few days!https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...ing-other-alternatives.1087667/#post-16687933

 

[debid]

I've personally used the heating pad cave with nighttime lows in the teens. There are others that have gone colder. On "high", my pad uses 50W and puts out as much heat as a hen. It's plenty warm enough.

I will caution that I used the pad as the roof of their cave. I haven't tested it under foot as that isn't how a hen works.

 

[lazy gardener]

I've personally used the heating pad cave with nighttime lows in the teens. There are others that have gone colder. On "high", my pad uses 50W and puts out as much heat as a hen. It's plenty warm enough.

I will caution that I used the pad as the roof of their cave. I haven't tested it under foot as that isn't how a hen works.

Agreed. The MHP system is set up to mimic the heat provided by a broody hen. Have you ever stuck your hand under a hen in the nest box? Pretty comfy warm there! That is what the MHP system provides. Laying the pad on the floor, and letting the chicks lay on top of it will not trap heat nor will it provide the warmth that it would provide if it was over the chicks. Chicks are not yet feathered out, so their down does not adequately trap heat. While they may get some heat from being on top of a heating pad, that won't protect them from being chilled from the cold air above them.