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

[aart]

So I can use sand as bedding right from day 1?

Yes, but you need to put their food and water on something solid (I used a large tote lid) for the first week or two so they don't eat too much sand.

 

[Mims]

I have to share. I'm almost disappointed to not be using the MHP this year. I had 3 hens go broody, so all 26 are outside with them. It's been kind of sad not playing with chicks constantly. But boy, it sure has been easier!

 

[Mims]

I use a tent as a brooder, btw. I have a hen that's being really aggressive to the chicks, and with having so many, I thought it better to separate them.Mamas were really stressed, but are now happy as clams.

 

[mobius]

Mims, is that round gray poof a silkie tail?

Love your adorable pics of happy silkie brooders and happy babies! More pls!!

 

[10AcreChick]

I am so jealous! How did you transition them?

I wimped out last night when I went out and heard them pitieously making the panic cheep....

I put mine out into a caged-off area within the chicken coop. They were 7 days old when I put them out. I do not have them going outside yet or exploring the rest of the coop, just a small area that has food, water and the MHP. Maybe yours are just too young still for all that space. Mine sleep sticking out of the MHP or not under it at all. We are having really warm nights right now.

 

[ShanandGem]

Coop de Grass I have mine in a cold coop with MHP and a low wattage heating lamp in front (I switch to ceramic at night to make it dark). My chicks seem to like the choice of piling in their cave or sleeping under the lamp. They very often settle under the lamp but by the time I go to wake them up in the morning most are in the cave.

The heating lamp really just provides a puddle of not overly warm space as the coop is 10x10x8. It's never warm in there!

 

[Blooie]

This thread has been running strong for 1 year and 6 days!

That's incredible! Thank you all for participating!

 

[micheleomal]

Only 1 more week before I have chicks going under MHP!

Hopefully....

 

[dragonthehunter]

I know this is the wrong forum but Am I able to use a 75 or 60 watt bulb as a heat source until I can get the heat pad?

 

[aart]

Upgraded my MHP rack today....added 1/4" HC under the rack....so no(never say never?) chance of stuck heads between rack wires.
Screwed ends between rack and leg mounts and a few zip ties.
Not a great pic..kind of hard to see unless you zoom in.


Set 22 eggs yesterday and 6 more EE chicks ordered to arrive very close to hatch day(I hope).
Will still have them in brooder inside for a few days,
then am determined to get them into the coop partition with the MHP and 'portaled' partition wall.