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

[HopeSprings]

If you want to keep them out of the run you'll need to apron out some wire fence so they can't dig under. I'd use woven field fencing. Should probably run it up the sides of the run as well. 1/2" hardware cloth will keep coons from reaching in, the woven fencing will make sure the canines can't get to the HC and potentially rip it apart given enough time and desire.

Thanks! I'll do that!

 

[aart]

apron out some wire fence

Good examples of anti-dig apron installation, tho I'd not recommend 1/2" HC (unless you have small rodents like rats)...go with 14ga 1x2 or 1x1, will hold up much longer and is easier to lay flat.
http://www.backyardchickens.com/t/1110498/wire-around-coop#post_17093528
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/new-coop-project.1169916/page-2#post-18481208

 

[bruceha2000]

I don't think you need the apron to be such small openings unless you have small predators. Rats, voles, mice will tunnel a goodly distance, canines usually hit right at the vertical wall so the holes only need to be small enough to keep them out.

 

[CoChiChick]

Im raising my first ever baby chicks using this method! We woke up this morning to a non-working furnace and a house that was 53*. Guess who was all snuggled and warm under their mama heating pad? 10 baby chicks. They came out peeping and ready to eat and then headed back under to get warm again. We did lose one this afternoon, but not sure why. Seemed fine this morning, but they just arrived Thursday evening, so it could have been some lingering shipping stress. They will be moving out to the coop sometime in the next couple of days. I have some on order at the farm store that should arrive early this week. After they are settled, everyone will move outside. That is, unless I buy another heating pad or just you the ceramic reptile heat lamp for a couple of days just for observation and to watch for shipping stress.

 

[bruceha2000]

Even though it is much less common with MHP than with heat lamps, you should check the chicks for pasty butt.

 

[CoChiChick]

Even though it is much less common with MHP than with heat lamps, you should check the chicks for pasty butt.

I have been checking daily. Had one this morning that was pretty pasty. Cleaned it off with warm water and a paper towel.

 

[bruceha2000]

 

[Merrymouse]

View attachment 1673190 View attachment 1673190 After a morning nap, lots of exploring.

Look at all those marbles!!!! I can tell already your going to be a great chicken parent, ensuring your chickie babies don't drown

 

[CoChiChick]

@Blooie I have been using the mama heating pad with my chicks (hatched 2/19/19) since their arrival last Thursday. We moved them from the house to the coop today and all of them are huddled under the pad.

We have chicks arriving from the hatchery tomorrow that were hatched on Monday or Tuesday. I am thinking about just putting them straight in with the others. Bad idea or ok?

The 2nd part of my concern is the upcoming temps we're looking at here in central IL. We will be at almost 0 two nights in a row. Give me a pep talk that these lil gals and guys will be good to go.

 

[bruceha2000]

I'm afraid Blooie has been MIA for some weeks. My opinion on your question is that more than likely you can mix the new with the old since the old won't even be 2 weeks. As to the 0°F temps, no idea. They SHOULD be OK if the pad is set at a height all the little peepers can get their backs up against it without stretching.