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

[bruceha2000]

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

Can't say exactly but I can tell you they fit through at 1 week old. The sides of my brooder area are all 1/2" hardware cloth, the top is 2x4 welded wire. I went to close up 20 minutes ago and Little Miss Daredevil * flew up to the top of the feeder from "food and water stand" level then straight up through the top!! I would say it is at least a foot. I held her for a while, she seemed happy with that. Perhaps she's going to be a very friendly chicken. I put a heavy piece of cloth over the top for tonight. I have no idea if she was doing that earlier in the day and hopped back down or not but if she jumps off into the coop there is no way she can get back in. I've not opened the portal yet.

Here they are yesterday getting ready to move, wish I had a movie of us trying to get them all back in the shipping box, Keystone Cops event, and in the brooder area. Sorry no pictures that show the top.


Video. They weren't too interested in going into the brooder area, scary new place. Voice is DD2, she turned 23 today.

* the one that was flying from the top of the cave to the top of the food and water in the cardboard box in the house

 

[PetesChicks]

4 of them took to the MHP the second time I put them in. The other 2 wanted no part of it, and came right out to run around as soon as I moved my hand. They are eating and drank a little, and they were drinking at the hardware store when we got there to pick them up.

The little one on top of the MHP is the only one with a name so far. She’s Potus, and she tweets nonstop since we got her. She’s also the bully of the bunch.

 

[CuriousQueen]

Here is my make shift mama heating pad. Next year I’ll make a better one.
Since I didn’t know if I would be successful at hatching, I used what I had on hand. I already had the heating pad so it didn’t cost me a cent.
The fiberglass rods go through drilled holes in the corner of the frame and the plastic parts screw tighten do it holds the frame to the level I want. It is actually very sturdy.
Next year I’ll redo it with new materials and thicker legs with cotter pins to hold it or something. I like I can take it completely apart and store in a drawer.
(After I build a better one)

 

[aart]

The fiberglass rods go through drilled holes in the corner of the frame and the plastic parts screw tighten do it holds the frame to the level I want.

Curious to see these closer...and to know what are they made for originally??

 

[Blooie]

Um, about using a heating pad that you've had on hand.....BE CAREFUL! I normally recommend against using an older pad that's been folded or rolled up and stuffed at the back of a linen closet or something. As they age and are repeatedly creased, the heating element wires inside can develop small cracks or breaks in them, causing a short when they are turned on, or left on continuously for a couple of weeks. That's my disclaimer.

It looks like you have a pretty new Sunbeam there - is that what it is? If so, (and it doesn't look like it's been folded up for a long time from what I can see) you should be okay. But I had to say it.

We'll need photos of the completed setup, of course, with the chicks IN it. Paying your dues, doncha know!

 

[Ginger Snaps]

Wiil this work out side in the coop? They will have the coop to themselves as this is our first batch of chicks. 4 dixie reainbow and 2 rhode island reds are 3 weeks and 2 isa browns are 2 1/2 weeks. They hayed the cave and really seem to like the nest. The dixie chicks hardlybeven use it just perch on the edge a bit and slerp on the roost most of the night.

 

[CuriousQueen]

We have had the heating pad but not long. It has not been stored crimped up, but was folded in two. We bought it when I had foot surgery. It isn’t old at all.
Thanks for the warning though
It is a sunbeam with the auto shut off button.
The fiberglass Post is from an electric paddock I had for a horse years ago.
The plastic screw things held the electric tape. There is no rough edges.
My husband said he can get a friend to make me metal posts with holes next year, and buy me new wood, lol.
But this is sturdy enough for this year. I put cat treats on top and had my 15 pound cat jump on and off it. Plus I can hand tighten as needed.
I’ll get pics as soon as I can.
Edit to add.
If you are worried about the plastic screws loosing. You could just add more and stack them. I didn’t think of that until now!
I could dremel off the parts I don’t need and use the grinder attachment to smooth the edges. Time to hit the garage, and round up some more plastic screws, lol.

 

[aart]

If you are worried about the plastic screws loosing.

Wasn't worried, just curious.

 

[bruceha2000]

Wiil this work out side in the coop? They will have the coop to themselves as this is our first batch of chicks. 4 dixie reainbow and 2 rhode island reds are 3 weeks and 2 isa browns are 2 1/2 weeks. They hayed the cave and really seem to like the nest. The dixie chicks hardlybeven use it just perch on the edge a bit and slerp on the roost most of the night.

Is the pad on too high a setting for kids that age? Is the cave high enough, can't tell from the picture.

 

[bobbi-j]

Last night when I checked on them, there were a bunch of them with their bodies under the MHP with their heads sticking out. This was after raising it and putting it on medium. It was still quite warm in there from the heat of the day. Low last night was mid-forties.