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

[The_Flock]

@K0k0shka did you have a bigger brooder at that age in the coop? Did you have other chickens in the coop already? My girls would most likely go after them when they're that young. And the separated part in my coop is on sand. I'm not sure that's a good idea for the wee ones. But again I don't know.

 

[The_Flock]

Is it ok for me to put the chicks in the coop on sand at 3 weeks? Is it ok to put them on grass at 3 weeks? Thanks peeps. I so appreciate you. ❤

 

[aart]

Is it ok for me to put the chicks in the coop on sand at 3 weeks? Is it ok to put them on grass at 3 weeks? Thanks peeps. I so appreciate you. ❤

Sand right on the ground or on a floor?
Probably, to the first.... I put a crate tray under my MHP in the coop.
More for cleaning purposes, but would protect from chilly ground.
Yes, to the second.

 

[The_Flock]

Sand right on the ground or on a floor?
Probably, to the first.... I put a crate tray under my MHP in the coop.
More for cleaning purposes, but would protect from chilly ground.
Yes, to the second.

View attachment 2175288

Sand is the flooring the flooring in the coop. I like the idea of putting a crate tray under the MHP. Ok...good to know they can go on the grass too. Thank you so much @aart for answering.

 

[K0k0shka]

@K0k0shka did you have a bigger brooder at that age in the coop? Did you have other chickens in the coop already? My girls would most likely go after them when they're that young. And the separated part in my coop is on sand. I'm not sure that's a good idea for the wee ones. But again I don't know.

I didn’t have a bigger brooder in the coop, but I also didn’t have any other chickens in there, so that made it easier... I don’t see why sand would be a problem. Mine were on sand starting on day 4 after hatching. I had a sheet of cardboard under the MHP so the legs of the plate wouldn’t sink in the sand, and to make clean up easier.

 

[bruceha2000]

Or bend the frame up.

That IS adjusting it In fact that is the method used in the original design using a piece of fencing for the frame.

But they would be on the ground out there. I'm not sure if they might be too young for that yet, but I don't know.

Nope, a hen would have them out on grass at a few days old. They do need to have grit if they are eating anything but chicken feed and they WILL eat the grass.

 

[aart]

That IS adjusting it

Kinda

 

[The_Flock]

So...I revamped my MHP. Here it is. I'm loving all the feedback. Thank you so much.

 

[janiedoe]

New chicks for MHP. I picked them up from Ideal Poultry today. ( I drove 4 1/2 hours round trip for these 10.)
Pics to keep this thread active.
They've been in the brooder 15 minutes and they're already making messes.

Unboxing

Introducing them to MHP

Enjoying the brooder and making messes.

 

[aart]

Introducing them to MHP

Can't really see the MHP.
Cute chicks tho!