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

[lazy gardener]

Totally understand

I think for me, I feel like I know you guys somewhat and feel comfortable and trust you guys, plus I've gotten SO many ideas and help off this thread, so when I ask "xyz" question about grass clumps let's say, you all already know why we put those in there and i don't have to explain why or have someone be like-hey that's dangerous for whatever reason etc. Does that make sense? I feel safe here I guess is what I'm saying

Glad you feel safe here. Don't forget, you can always PM some one who's approach you admire/think most likely matches your own. And, when asking any question, always be sure to carry a huge sifter in your hip pocket, so you can sift out the duff!!!

I have a temperature question. Pardon our newbieness. I have the MHP on another test run in the brooder box. Our digital thermometer says it's 87 under there with the heating pad on 6. The temp probe is just laying on the shavings on the floor. Is that the correct setting for the heating pad to start or is that too warm? Picking up our 12 chicks tomorrow!!

They'll be fine. Yay chickies!

 

[mrssteciw]

Im learning so much from these threads, thank you! I am new to chickens, so please forgive my ignorance. I ordered this heating pad for my chicks that will arrive tomorrow...

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B001AZLVG6/ref=ya_st_dp_summary

Will this work? It's a pet warmer- does that mean it has to feel pressure before getting hot? The description says it has a steady heat of about 80 degrees but goes to 105 (or something) when being used. If that's true, how do I arrange it so the chicks stay as warm as they need to? I'm planning to monitor them for about 24 hours in the house but then move them to their coop in our barn. It's getting to about 35-40 degrees at night here. Am I on the right track? Thank you for any insights!

 

[dyorto]

I'm not sure that that type will work. If you are making a cave, while the chicks should be in contact with the pad, I'm not sure it's enough pressure to register for it to come on?

 

[mrssteciw]

Darn...I was worried about that, but found the link to it reading an article about making a MHP. I'll see how it works. I ordered a Premier heat plate too, so I have a backup in case it doesn't work out. The MHP just seemed much more cozy!

 

[mobius]

Any pips @Blooie ? Day 21, right? So so excited for you!! EEEk!

 

[MesMama]

Sitting in the brooder again with my babies this morning, making good progress getting them to trust me and allow me to pet them etc
It's neat too because it allows me to see how they are when I'm not around, I mean I'm in there with them but after awhile they're doing their thing and I sit back in the corner and watch them, and the MHP really is a great "surrogate" for a mama hen. How the chicks act is so similar to how they act under a broody.

Also took a couple pics, the first one, mani wish I could understand "chicken", not sure what that hen is doing? Anyway it was cute. But 5 minutes later was a stare down between my roo and one of the little girls Wow. I hope that was just him saying hey, I AM THE BOSS and not aggression to come once I let the littles out?
And then the little buff sleeping in my leg <3

 

[COChix]

Thanks COChix! That's exactly how I set up the frame. I already flattened it out to make sure at least part of it will be touching their backs. I was worried about it being too long, I am wrapping 1" wire cloth over it for support and to prevent trapping chicks from a slipping HP. I'm expecting 16 chicks.

Nice, I didn't have hardware cloth, that would have been a preference. I didn't have any issues with anyone getting stuck in the wire, but other have had issues. I also kept mine like a cave with the back up against the wall. Good luck, 16 should do just fine.

 

[COChix]

Any pips @Blooie? Day 21, right? So so excited for you!! EEEk! e

Yes,

.

Is that a BO roo I see? I was worried about the chicks last year after hatch and the ones our broody hatched as far as how it would go with the roo. He was great, did the peck and calling for food right away through the fencing. Never had any issues with our roo and chicks.

Here he is checking out his babies....

 

[MesMama]

Yes,
Is that a BO roo I see? I was worried about the chicks last year after hatch and the ones our broody hatched as far as how it would go with the roo. He was great, did the peck and calling for food right away through the fencing. Never had any issues with our roo and chicks.

Here he is checking out his babies....

Yep he's a BO and I LOVE him He's such a good boy! But that stare down...eeeeesh! Scary. But I'm thinking he was just saying to the baby that he's the man I can't imagine he would hurt them either.

Your guy is handsome as well!! BO Roos are just awesome <3

 

[MesMama]

Do they know when chicks aren't theirs? Like I have SLW, Wellies and Speckled Sussex in there, do Roos care that they aren't same breed?