Keeping the EMH Clean

[Renron]

We brought 10 chicks home a week ago and are using an EMH (Electronic Mother Hen) to keep the chicks warm and comfortable. I've seen others who's heater is covered in Poo and I thought I'd share how I keep mine as clean as brand new.
I cut a piece of 1/8" ABS plastic 14" x 14", big enough if (when) they grow large enough to climb on top and poop they won't soil the Heater Plate. I drilled holes large enough to slide over the legs and put Electric knock out strain relief bushings between the Hot Plate and the ABS to allow some air flow and it's small enough to keep inquisitive chicks from exploring the space.
One side is textured and the other side is smooth. I waxed the smooth side and the poop almost rinses off under the running water without any scrubbing. I hope this helps others with their cleaning chores.
Ron

 

[Wyorp Rock]

We brought 10 chicks home a week ago and are using an EMH (Electronic Mother Hen) to keep the chicks warm and comfortable. I've seen others who's heater is covered in Poo and I thought I'd share how I keep mine as clean as brand new.
I cut a piece of 1/8" ABS plastic 14" x 14", big enough if (when) they grow large enough to climb on top and poop they won't soil the Heater Plate. I drilled holes large enough to slide over the legs and put Electric knock out strain relief bushings between the Hot Plate and the ABS to allow some air flow and it's small enough to keep inquisitive chicks from exploring the space.
One side is textured and the other side is smooth. I waxed the smooth side and the poop almost rinses off under the running water without any scrubbing. I hope this helps others with their cleaning chores.
RonView attachment 1696878 View attachment 1696879

Good Idea!!

Thank you for sharing.

 

[aart]

Nice!
Now you need another so you can just swap em out quick!
What did you use for 'wax'?
Hopefully it's not so slippery that you have 'ice skating' chicks

 

[blackdog043]

Nice!
Now you need another so you can just swap em out quick!
What did you use for 'wax'?
Hopefully it's not so slippery that you have 'ice skating' chicks

If it's to slippery, the chicks could possibly hurt their legs. You might have to use the textured side or put put a towel on top of the ABS. I save old towels to cut and use on my mama heat pad.

 

[Renron]

It is Johnson's paste wax, a light coating on the smooth side. I first had the textured side up when they were less than a week old, now they are starting to fly and are MUCH larger and playing on everything. I am surprised how fast they grow.
The incline is pretty shallow so they won't skate off the edge and the downhill side which touches the brooder wall. There is also room for them to jump off of the sides.