Mama Heating Pad in the Brooder (Picture Heavy) - UPDATE

[SueT]

If it 731-500 then yes. How many chicks are you getting? I have 12 Silkie under mine I went with the 732-500 which is the larger version of this I’m glad I did because the have space under it. I took 2 14x14 wire shelf’s and zip tied them together to make 14x20, then the heating pad hangs over 2” on each side creating an area they can snuggle into(like a hens wing). As for the legs I went with threaded rod, washers and nuts to make it easy to adjust. I had to already increase height it last night and they are a week old.

Oh good idea w threaded rod.
Yes, that's the model. 731 500. It will just be 4 chicks.

 

[NNYchick]

I would think the smaller one would be good for 4 chicks. I had to edit my post I have 9 not 12.

 

[aart]

@aart the pad touches on the back side and is maybe 2-3 inches tall in the front, sloping down to the back. So to me anyway it doesn’t seem too tall.

@saraiquimby1 how did this work out?

 

[bruceha2000]

And this is the rack we already have...it's 12 X 18. I will cut the legs...how much to cut off? What is the best wayView attachment 1247800 to make it adjustable?

I wouldn't cut the legs off but bend them out, more in the "back" than the front so it will be lower in back. You can bend them back in a little as the chicks grow.

 

[SueT]

I wouldn't cut the legs off but bend them out, more in the "back" than the front so it will be lower in back. You can bend them back in a little as the chicks grow.

Yeah but each side's legs are connected by a bar across the bottom. My DH, the carpenter, says we can make various height blocks to set the cut legs in. Drill holes to accept the legs so it's stable.

 

[bruceha2000]

Yeah but each side's legs are connected by a bar across the bottom. My DH, the carpenter, says we can make various height blocks to set the cut legs in. Drill holes to accept the legs so it's stable.

I didn't mean you bend each individual leg but each side as a unit. Yes you can cut the legs and make various height blocks to stick them in but that is more work.

I work with wood and could have done as you are suggesting. In fact the 2 beds in the un-rebuilt part of the house are each sitting on 3 blocks of different sizes, custom made so the beds sit level. I found bending the metal for the MHP cave easy and fast.

 

[BBZZZZTT]

Funny you should be discussing that Sunbeam 731-500. I just ordered one on Amazon a little while ago. My power blipped out again for a second today! Better safe than sorry- decided to get one that won't stay off. One of the questions specifically asked if it comes back on after a power outage... One of you? Haha
Good thing this happened before I got chicks though!

 

[bruceha2000]

That would be a nice feature if the power outage happens in the middle of the night when you aren't likely to notice.

 

[BBZZZZTT]

Or when you work 10 hour shifts.

 

[saraiquimby1]

@aart things seem to be going well. I turned the pad over. One side was warmer than the other I thought at one point, so i turned it over and they (mostly) sleep under it now. Some of them still insist on sleeping between the pad and the metal frame but they seem comfortable.
I have lost 5 of my 20 chicks already though 3 of those being my lavender ones I was so excited about. They seem a little weaker than the others and end up getting smooshed . its so sad. But he remaining 15 seem strong and healthy now.