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

[Blooie]

 

[BBZZZZTT]

Yep!! And it's been a while since I've received any nasty "You are telling people to kill their chicks!" messages too, so maybe it's getting around that they are tough little stinkers, very well equipped to thrive despite the conventional wisdom! Even if folks still prefer raising with lamps, or are in situations where lamps are just more practical than MHP (which is absolutely fine!) at least most are now acknowledging that chicks can be raised safely in alternative ways.

I personally love your attitude! Ahaha

 

[Blooie]

Thanks.....just plain talk with a little common sense thrown in.

 

[aart]

I do believe that the 2 hour auto shut off on heating pads isn't so much about safety of the pad related to fire but in case it is under a person's body and they fall asleep with no air to dissipate the heat and potentially burning the person's skin. Used as we are in a MHP cave setting, there is always ambient air on one side of the pad, even if it is covered with a towel or pillowcase.

It absolutely is.

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

Thanks.....just plain talk with a little common sense thrown in.

No room for that these days......

 

[bruceha2000]

Certainly not OGM!

 

[aart]

Common Sense Ain't Common.

 

[Farmer Doc]

Hi All!

I have a question that may be buried in these 1,000+ pages that I would like to ask...

I am new to the chicken world - a couple of years in - but have bred and raised 1,000s of lizards. As you can imagine, heat is a factor for them as well. Fire risk is always present with a plugged in heating element. I agree with what I have read here about heat lamps. Dangerous things and when I built my disposable brooder last year I dreaded them. They served the purpose, but the MHP idea is brilliant. No more dust filled garage! Outside rearing is our goal. We love our broody chickens. We intend to use a MHP with some ducks and geese that we hope hatch in about three weeks. Unfortunately our goose is a youngster. We hope the later spring gets her going but we will see...enough background...

The concerns of leaving the pad on have validity as do the arguments of keeping things in top shape. I love the lightbulb analogy! My question is why not use something DESIGNED to be on all the time? For example, Fluker Farms make a top rate heating pad that operates at 100 degrees and it is designed to be a constant heat source. (Link below) Flexwatt Heat Tape with a thermostat device is also a thought and would provide flexibility at the same cost as the preferred choice heating pad.

My thoughts...
1. It could be attached to some plexiglass for rigidity to eliminate bending wires. They are designed to be attached to the bottom of tanks inside or out.
2. Momma hen does not lower her heat 5 degrees a week to wean them off her (I don't think so at least). They will get their needs met as they need the heat - eventually not using the MHP. Lowering and raising the device is possible. Not to mention the use of a thermostat. But is it necessary?
3. Being designed to be on all the time at this heat should be a comfort.

Has anyone ever tried using one of these? I am considering it in my design and value the opinions of the eggsperts here at BYC! If you read this far, thanks for letting me get these thoughts out of my head so I can sleep a little better tonight!

Here's the link to the product:

https://flukerfarms.com/premium-heat-mat/

 

[Leigti]

There are also the kane heat mats. Or pig blankets.

 

[Leigti]

I have the outdoor electric cord, and the waterproof connector to plug the two cords together. to keep it waterproof. It rains a lot here. The outside brooder Area will be covered but not the entire run. Any suggestions on making sure all the electrical stuff stays dry?