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

[Jensownzoo]

The gap runs the length of the lid :/

Also with the HWC wondering about coons, Hawks? Probably far fetched but just trying to eliminate predator opportunities

As long as you have secured the HWC well, it shouldn't be an issue. Hawks are extremely unlikely to come indoors and a raccoon won't be able to pull apart HWC...and the lid looks too heavy for them to manage, but you can always add a latch.

 

[MesMama]

As long as you have secured the HWC well, it shouldn't be an issue. Hawks are extremely unlikely to come indoors and a raccoon won't be able to pull apart HWC...and the lid looks too heavy for them to manage, but you can always add a latch.

Awesome thank you!

 

[MesMama]

You can pop it up to 6 for an hour or so until they get more accustomed to the cooler ambient temps, if it eases your mind. You can always set it back to a lower temp if they won't go in at all because it's too warm. I start my chicks outdoors so I don't have to worry about them so much about them having to acclimate.  It sounds like they are fine - some on top, some underneath, others exploring, so remember that huddling can not only indicate chilling but total insecurity. They cling to each other because they are familiar to each other.  Keep us posted.  

Oh also, do you think I should put paper towels under mama for tonight so they aren't scared of the straw under there now? Or just let it be? Sorry for my million questions

 

[mobius]

I think mine just adapted right away and burrowed into the bedding under MHP! Really nice setup, btw! The bedding would help insulate further, and even at that age I think they will make a little tiny nesting spot...do put latch on...

 

[MesMama]

I think mine just adapted right away and burrowed into the bedding under MHP! Really nice setup, btw! The bedding would help insulate further, and even at that age I think they will make a little tiny nesting spot...do put latch on...

10-4 on the latch, that's a good idea actually, we will get that done tomorrow And thank you for the compliment! I am SO glad that my DH is handy

 

[dyorto]

My chick that had the hurt foot isn't limping or picking up that foot at all anymore. I had looked a bit swollen at one time but is good now as well. However, I notice that is laying down most of the time. The other chicks will run around sratching and stuff but that one tends to just lay on top of the MHP. It will come out and eat and drink. Should I be concerned you think?

 

[eagrbeavr]

A couple years ago my neighbor across the street had a Red Tail come into his coop.

 

[GardenNut]

Cutest ever pic of sleeping chicks!! :yiipchick

X2!

 

[MesMama]

Went down to check on everyone about an hour ago, no more huddling! Just lots of scratching around and pecking at all the new stuff LOL! So funny! Just went down again because the sun is going down and my bigs were roosting, all the littles were under mama exept 7, they were all huddled in the corner beside mama, goofballs. Anyway hubby and I stuck their butts under mama and they stayed put. I'll go down in a few when it gets nice and dark to check. I don't want them to get used to me putting them under, so I'll give them tonight just because of all the change today, but tomorrow night they're on their own

 

[emorems0]

Chick suicide method #106 knock over feeder and climb inside.

I did end up sewing a fitted pillowcase type cover to go over my whole MHP. It's much better now and I won't worry about them so much while I'm away this weekend and DH is on chick duty.