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

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Had a coop break in last night and lost about 20 birds. It looks like brute force was used to pry a section of the run up and I just had the coop door pulled shut so secondary entry was easy. I’ve got the remaining birds back in the grow out pen as that coop will comfortably hold what I have left. I’m beside myself as I had made improvements (or thought I had) since the flock massacre 2 years ago.

I’ve canceled my chick shipment and the I’ll wait till I’m in a better mindset before I reorder. Guess I’ll put the MHPs away for the year as I need to refocus on the coop. I think I’ll plan on a complete rebuild this summer and try to keep the remaining pullets in the smaller coop for now.
 
dpenning said:
You said brute force, I’m assuming you are referring to a four legged predator and not two?
Click to expand...

Four legged as they were eaten in the chicken yard, and eaten completely, so My guess is either coyotes as the ones I’ve seen are large this year or a Bobcat. I don’t think the smaller predators could have done the damage to the run without teamwork and they usually just eat the easy parts and move on to the next bird.
 
That sucks!! You have some really aggressive predators. Sounds like you need serious attachment to something in the ground and probably a skirt so they can't dig under that. Might want to make the run out of knotted 2x4 fencing on the outside and 1/2" hardware cloth on the inside. That should keep out everything from weasels to coyotes, maybe even bears. The other option would be several strands of hot wire around the outside of the run so they don't even get close to the walls.

My deepest sympathies!
 
I am not caught up on this thread but I thought I'd report back on an observation I've made using an MHP for meat birds. I am currently raising 31 cornish cross with two large MHP's. this type of birds grows fast and runs hot. last time I grew them out I had some die off that I was not happy with so I have been extra vigilant this time around to make sure the chicks were not getting stuck underneath and had plenty of air circulation. it has gone much better all the way around. the main difference this time is that I have not used any sort of towel or cover other than the plastic press and seal to protect the heating pad. what I have found is that the chicks around the edges just move deeper in if they get cold and probably most importantly, they can easily get out if feeling smothered. these chicks are outside from day one and doing great.
 
I have not been able to read all the posts in this huge thread - but I have a couple questions (man, if I had the time I'd go through all of them and create a FAQ for this!).

1) I hear talk of press and seal. The chicks don't peck at it, try to eat it?
2) I hear talk of scrap fence. If you don't have this and have to buy something - is there a better choice or should I buy a piece of fence for this?
 
christatothemax said:
I have not been able to read all the posts in this huge thread - but I have a couple questions (man, if I had the time I'd go through all of them and create a FAQ for this!).

1) I hear talk of press and seal. The chicks don't peck at it, try to eat it?
2) I hear talk of scrap fence. If you don't have this and have to buy something - is there a better choice or should I buy a piece of fence for this?
Click to expand...
1 - nah, they're not gonna peck apart Press N Seal, it's rather tough stuff.
2 - I'd suggest buying a small roll of hardware cloth
 
christatothemax said:
I have not been able to read all the posts in this huge thread - but I have a couple questions (man, if I had the time I'd go through all of them and create a FAQ for this!).

1) I hear talk of press and seal. The chicks don't peck at it, try to eat it?
2) I hear talk of scrap fence. If you don't have this and have to buy something - is there a better choice or should I buy a piece of fence for this?
Click to expand...
For sure...and half, or more. of this thread is chitchat.
1) I'd suggest skipping the P&S and use cardboard on top instead.
2)A bakers rack worked well for me, stiff and flat gets you more space.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/pseudo-brooder-heater-plate.67729/
 

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