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

[aart]

Here's my finished result. And I just called TSC and they have in the chicks I want! What side is down on the heating pad again? The writing or the cloth? Also, I've always used pine shavings in my brooder but you don't recommend that?

Sweet, that was fast!!
Did you file down sharp rack wire ends?

Shavings are fine but food and water is best on something solid for first week.....I use a tote lid.....or paper towels over or instead of shavings.
Have fun!!

 

[duluthralphie]

I use disposable bed pads, ( diapers). They are soft and give the birds something that is not slippery to walk on yet does not let them eat anything but food (ie no bedding, or chips)

The bed pads make the cleaning of the pens very easy. ( Maybe I need to start a DFC thread, diapers for chicks)

 

[TexasLisa]

What's llRC?

I had to look it up: IF I RECALL CORRECTLY

By the way, if Bruce is right, thank you for your service!!

 

[dyorto]

Sweet, that was fast!!
Did you file down sharp rack wire ends?
l

Shavings are fine but food and water is best on something solid for first week.....I use a tote lid.....or paper towels over or instead of shavings.
Have fun!! 

I wrapped electrical tape around the sharp edges. I also put a pillowcase over the heating pad

 

[Blooie]

Never had that happen in 4 batches of chicks....but anything is possible.

It's like the cave vs flat....I've never lost a chick from getting trapped or caught up in the wires, but others have so I always remember to mention it - or try to.

Here's my finished result. And I just called TSC and they have in the chicks I want! What side is down on the heating pad again? The writing or the cloth? Also, I've always used pine shavings in my brooder but you don't recommend that?

People here will tell you the writing side. I made my first one the fluffy side down, and to be honest, I cannot tell a difference with the chicks nor do I think they can.

I think the side with the writing on it is a little warmer..not much, but enough to make me do it that way every time. I may be whistling in the wind, though, so its' up to you how to do it.

 

[dyorto]

Here is my first payment. They are now all snuggled together quietly under the MHP. I have it indoor on 6 and they are still on top of each other so I'm thinking it's not too hot

 

[Blooie]

Very nice dues payment and cute chicks! What did you get? If you mentioned it before I've forgotten.

If your setup indoors I still think I'd turn it down a notch. Chicks huddle for more reasons than warmth, especially when they are just learning a new environment. Lots of security for them in that beak to tail pile....

 

[dyorto]

Ok. I'll turn it down a notch. I have 2 isa brown, 2 barred rock and 2 Easter eggers

 

[ShrekDawg]

If in the future you ever have a problem trying to decipher if what someone says here is the truth or not I suggest you ask me.  I am kind of a truthsayer and can tell almost immediately what is Bovine droppings and what is not.

One thing that helps is looking at where the person is from, each area of the country is different, but the states in the northeast like Maine seem to have more than there share of tall tails.  Heck, they even try to say Paul Bunyan was from there, when we all know he was from Minnesota.


Now in all seriousness, that design in Aart's post above is what I used when I lost the two chicks. They crawled under the block being held up with the screws got stuck and died. If you use it I suggest you cut "shims" and drill holes in them for the screws to pass through. When you raise and lower it put the shims under the block so the chicks cannot get stuck under it.


I know it is a rare thing, but it happened to me.   I can also tell you it will be the chicks you want to live the most that will die, (Murphy's law will apply!)

Okay, thanks! Will definitely ask next time lol

And sorry you lost chicks that way i had some get caught in the pillow case but were fine

 

[dyorto]

2 of the chicks I just got seem to have a but of crusty poo stuck on their butts. It doesn't seem to be covering the vent. Does this mean it will probably get worse though?