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

[jnr005]

This is what their brooder/coop looks like. (temp home until they move out to the coop)

I added this "outdoor" space last week and they are allowed outside in the day time so they can run back and forth to get used to the weather.

 

[Mini Meat]

Love that idea @Mini Meat ! Wish I could borrow your brooder for the next month or so...I'm perilously close to a hundred chicks, or at least it feels like it! Which thermostat are you using?

Thanks, I am using these. Rope: 27 ' http://www.bigappleherp.com/Big-Apple-Flexible-Heat-Ropes Thermostat: http://www.bigappleherp.com/BAH-1000-Thermostat

Brilliant!
So is the 'cave' 4 feet long?
I would worry about them getting 'stuck' in the middle and not being able to get out to self regulate if too warm.
Maybe 'flatten' top bend and prop right side up on a few bricks for full length egress?

Thank you,
Good point, I will keep an eye on that. Yes, it is 4' long and so far they just mosh pit their way out or squeeze under. It is 16" wide at the floor so 36" of egress total 16" at either end. I put the controller probe in the center so hopefully if they do get trapped they will just get a bit uncomfortable and not over heated. Your suggestion to put it up on bricks is an easy fix. I may do that as they grow to provide more space if needed if not sooner.

LOVE the innovation!!!! I'd love to hear more about this brooder, especially if used in colder ambient temps and if it's still maintaining the stable temps enough to keep the chicks warm. This one probably deserves its own thread or at least post it to the DIY thread so other folks can get a look at it.

Thanks, I am pleased with it. I don't see why it would not hold temps in a brooder that is otherwise appropriate to the climate. I set the dial to a bit over 90 which give me 85 on the floor in the center according to a separate thermometer. The dial goes all the way to 108. It got cold and windy here last night and was quite chilly this morning. California cold, so maybe high 50's and it was 88 with chick most of the chicks still abed this morning.

Sheer genius!

Thanks, I am not often accused of genius lol

 

[COChix]

Got a few shots of our seven week old babies, they are getting so big now.

The white one has no fear, I watched feeding time this am. She is the first on the stump for food and doesn't get chased off the feed. When she gets pecked by an adult she makes a noise like "screw you, I am here to stay!" and keeps on eating, she doesn't run off. The other two squawk after being pecked and run off the feed. She stands her ground, pretty interesting to watch a chick assert her dominance at a young age.

 

[ShanandGem]

Not sure where you are but I got mine at Canadian Tire.

The Equate brand at Walmart has no auto shut off.

 

[perchie.girl]

Quote:
Thanks, I am using these. Rope: 27 ' http://www.bigappleherp.com/Big-Apple-Flexible-Heat-Ropes Thermostat: http://www.bigappleherp.com/BAH-1000-Thermostat


Thanks, I am not often accused of genius lol
SOLD Just went to the website. I truely love the concept of plug and play. and the fact that the heating element is completely sealed. if I do it right all the components can be disassembled and stored for future use. In future I want to brood up a flock of Guinea keets to start... probably about thirty to forty. Then Chickens Wellsummers and Sumatras probably ten to fifteen each. My core stock....egg layers and broodies. Then later on some meaties I have a neighbor that will probably enjoy the benefit of fresh chicken and might even help me process who knows.

deb

 

[Jensownzoo]

SOLD Just went to the website.   I truely love the concept of plug and play.   and the fact that the heating element is completely sealed.  if I do it right all the components can be disassembled and stored for future use.   In future I want to brood up a flock of Guinea keets to start...  probably about thirty to forty.    Then Chickens Wellsummers and Sumatras probably ten to fifteen each.   My core stock....egg layers and broodies.  Then later on some meaties  I have a neighbor that will probably enjoy the benefit of fresh chicken and might even help me process  who knows. 

deb

You know...duck eggs really are superior for baking...

 

[perchie.girl]

Quote:
I plan on two types of ducks once I get established. Muscovys for meat and Runners for cute.... I suspect I will be over runn with all sorts of eggs eventually.

deb

 

[Jensownzoo]

I plan on two types of ducks once I get established.  Muscovys for meat and Runners for cute....  I suspect I will be over runn with all sorts of eggs eventually.

deb

Plans for any emus too? Just kidding (kinda). Chickens do seem to be a gateway poultry--I've added keats, goslings, and ducklings so far...and am seriously considering turkey and coturnix quail.

 

[GardenNut]

Plans for any emus too? Just kidding (kinda). Chickens do seem to be a gateway poultry--I've added keats, goslings, and ducklings so far...and am seriously considering turkey and coturnix quail.

Did I hear someone mention ostrich? Meat and eggs....if you can catch her.

 

[perchie.girl]

Quote:
I thought about emu briefly.... very briefly.... if only for the eggs. I want to try my hand at egg carving.... But I would rather pay twenty bucks for an egg thats already blown out and clean.... far better than feeding for a year then hoping you have a female for eggs.

Turkeys are AWESOMELY Cute as chicks and tween agers and even full grown .... I once had two wild varieties dont know what kind what the feed store had. Mr. and Mrs. T...... Mr. T was a handsome dude covered in black and bronze and green irridescent feathers.... He would sneak up behind me all fluffed out Id turn and he would instanly deflate and examine something on the ground.... like "what!" They were both good fliers too and picked out a spot in my green house room to roost. about twelve feet up on a water pipe that came out of the house. I found out they were there one night when Crash and something scrambling around in the boxes on the floor. I flipped thelight on and there was Mr T on the floor.... Mrs. T was up on the pipe looking down as if to say..... "You fool.... get back to bed" In about two or three mghty flaps he was back....

deb