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

[Blooie]

I meant reducing the angle of the slant. Silly me!

 

[aart]

Adjusting the slant can be tricky and a judgment call.
Increasing angle of slant gives more sizes for a wider range different sized chicks,
but fewer spaces for like sized chicks.....it's hard to explain.

 

[bobbi-j]

Adjusting the slant can be tricky and a judgment call.
Increasing angle of slant gives more sizes for a wider range different sized chicks,
but fewer spaces for like sized chicks.....it's hard to explain.

I have two - I can keep one at a slant and one flat. I have some wiggle room.

 

[Ginger Snaps]

So i found this a bit late in tge game... Our first chicks are about 3 and have been using the heat lamp but wanted to see if they could learn to use the awesom momma heat pad. The first day went ok but pretty warm so they did not need it too much. At night they still didnt go in but some were close to it and some actually slept on their roost. They got up early and seemed well rested! All was well until last night and they refused to go it it even when they were getting cold. They chick pilled in a corner real tight and i got worried tgat the smaller ones were smooshed in the back corner of the pile so i put the stupid light back on.

This morning i turned tge light back off and put the heat pad in a basket with fleece cover and put it in the brooder. They love it! They all went to it to get some teats i put in it and stayed in it fir a bit... A few streated out for a nap a lil bit ago. So far i think they like the basket a lot.. They can either lay on the pad or roost on the basket or roost that is clise to it.

They are in the basement and the window above them is open during the day. Its been around 75 the last few days down there. No problems so far and they seem to like the fresh air.

The coop will be done in a few days and i want them out side doing chicken stuff. Do you think this will work out side? The next week is gonna be high 70/80 low 50/60. They will have the coop to them selves it is 4x6 and we have 8 chicks. I know the cave seems to work well out side according to folks on here but i am n o t sure about the nest version i made?

 

[PetesChicks]

My brooder is ready for the chicks. Hopefully they will be in today and I can pick them up after work.

I’m just wondering about my MHP. I have a piece of 3/16” plywood on top, should I replace that with something soft that the heat pad would warm up? Or keep it so it will be easier to clean?

And how long before I have to cover the brooder? It is about 3’ 4” high, I don’t want to risk them flying out and not being able to get back in.

Thanks.

 

[aart]

I’m just wondering about my MHP. I have a piece of 3/16” plywood on top, should I replace that with something soft that the heat pad would warm up? Or keep it so it will be easier to clean?

I used 3/16 ply at first, covered with peel n stick stuff, which was kinda of PITA to do.
Ended up switching to cardboard and just toss it when brooding is done.

 

[PetesChicks]

Ok, sounds like I’ll stick with the plywood for now. And I just got the call from the hardware store - chicks are in!

 

[bruceha2000]

And how long before I have to cover the brooder? It is about 3’ 4” high, I don’t want to risk them flying out and not being able to get back in.

They should be out in the coop before they can fly that high. Though they can get to 2' at about 2 weeks. They are pretty amazing little creatures.

A question - Went to check on the chicks tonight and found about half a dozen of them outside the brooder even though it's 45* outside. (I know it's warmer in the coop, but not much). They were outside the lower end of it. I stuffed them back under the tall side, because I was worried about them freezing. Anyway, I'm wondering if the brooders need to be raised a bit more, or the heat turned to medium or both. It was the bigger meaty birds that weren't under it.

Sounds like you have stoopid chicks like I do. I put them out in the brooder area of the barn yesterday afternoon. Made sure they found the food and water and the cave (all of about 1' away). Last evening when I went to close up the barn the fool things were all stuffed in the corner of the brooder behind the feeder I shoved them all in the cave. Went back out about 7:30 to be sure they were still inside, they were.

 

[PetesChicks]

They should be out in the coop before they can fly that high. Though they can get to 2' at about 2 weeks. They are pretty amazing little creatures.

OK, thanks. I’ll have them in the coop before then, they’re probably only going to be in the garage about a week and a half. Then they will be separated from the bigs in the coop, with tiny doors to let them explore.

Also, how long before they won’t be able to squeeze through 2x4 welded wire?

Thanks.

 

[aart]

Also, how long before they won’t be able to squeeze through 2x4 welded wire?

Depends on bird. Probably about 4-5 weeks, IIRC.
Before I had HC on the lower run walls I had a test,
18" circle of 2x4 fencing, put the smallest chick in there and see if it could get thru.