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

[chfriedmam]

Ok, can I attach a heating pad to this? Under or over? How to attach?

 

[chfriedmam]

Ok, can I attach a heating pad to this?it's for rabbits. Under or over? How to attach?

 

[Beekissed]

Ok, can I attach a heating pad to this?it's for rabbits. Under or over? How to attach?

It wouldn't do you much good to do so, as you cannot bend that material to bring it down far enough to make contact with the chicks. The heating pad is a contact heater, so it needs to be in contact with the chick's backs, especially in the first week or so.

 

[Tika75]

Ok, can I attach a heating pad to this? Under or over? How to attach?

What is it? It would have to be on the underside so the babies can get against it. It is won't flatten out you may need to have something under it so they can touch their backs to it for warmth.

The small bungee straps are what a lot are using to attach the heating pads. You want to make sure the babies can't get between the heating pads and what they are attached to.

 

[10AcreChick]

I need some help, ya'll. I haven't posted on here in a while, but this seems to be a thread with LOTS of very knowledgeable chicken-keepers on it. I have about 15 Easter Egger and Buff hens who are not roosting properly. They are 16 weeks old. Some of them roost on the actual roosts, but the others like to gather on the platform above the nesting boxes. I am in the process of getting rid of some RIR, so it is true that the roosts are a LITTLE crowded until I do so. Still, it's frustrating because there are two whole roosting bars that are totally empty when I go down at dusk, and like 10 of them pooping into the nests! I have patiently moved them to the roosts time and time again, and they just seem to not want to get the idea. Short of totally blocking off the platform, does anyone have any other ideas to get these stubborn ladies to do what I want? I even put up a new roost, but the RIR just spread out onto it!

 

[Blooie]

If they aren't sleeping in the nesting boxes, why is it so critical that they roost right now? They're still young - they'll get it! Took mine forever to figure it out out for themselves. If they are in a secure coop, doing well, healthy and content, they're fine, I promise, and one evening you'll go out and they'll all be up there!

Edited to add: I'm assuming your roosts are comfortable for them and in a good spot in the coop, higher than the nest boxes or platform.

 

[bluejean55girl]

I need some help, ya'll. I haven't posted on here in a while, but this seems to be a thread with LOTS of very knowledgeable chicken-keepers on it. I have about 15 Easter Egger and Buff hens who are not roosting properly. They are 16 weeks old. Some of them roost on the actual roosts, but the others like to gather on the platform above the nesting boxes. I am in the process of getting rid of some RIR, so it is true that the roosts are a LITTLE crowded until I do so. Still, it's frustrating because there are two whole roosting bars that are totally empty when I go down at dusk, and like 10 of them pooping into the nests! I have patiently moved them to the roosts time and time again, and they just seem to not want to get the idea. Short of totally blocking off the platform, does anyone have any other ideas to get these stubborn ladies to do what I want? I even put up a new roost, but the RIR just spread out onto it! 

check and see that the roost bars are higher than the nest boxes? They usually (?) perch as high as they can.

 

[Jensownzoo]

Can you lean a board on the platform so that it's not an alternative roosting spot? At least until they get in the habit of using the others?

 

[aart]

IME, if you don't want them roosting (or pooping, or dust bathing, or scratching, or.....) in a place, you have to block their access to it.

I have a hinged cover that blocks the nests and the perch in front of them, I put that cover down a couple hours before dusk, then flip it back up when I lock up after dark.
If I forget to put it in place, I am moving the junior flockers off the perch and out of nests after dark.

 

[10AcreChick]

Thanks for all the replies! I assumed that them being the youngest, they wouldn't mind being on the lowest roost, but I'm wondering if most "lowest" roosts are left empty in most coops?!! LOL Wouldn't want any of them to have to admit to being the lowest chicken!

Yes, I make sure the roosts are nice and round and thick, usually I use 2" thick trees I have cut down and trimmed. That lowest roost is NOT higher than the platform, maybe that is the problem. Hmmm. I am going to try putting some stuff on the platform, like bags of feed, to keep them off it. It's right below the roof line (the roof slopes on that side), so there won't be any space left for chickens!

Thanks!