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

[dpenning]

Yep. And I suspect that in places where they get hundreds, thousands of chicks at a time (*) they aren't using a heat lamp brooder as we small fry would think of it. They likely use huddle boxes. Basically a big MHP or EcoGlow type thing except they are using light bulbs for heat in that space.

And like MHP, they go in and out as they please to warm up. They aren't in a "95F the first week" red lighted ambient space 24x7. Sadly, when I Googled "Huddle box for chickens" I came across a LOT of home red heat lamp brooders and some software.

Think of it like a large wooden box, suspended from the ceiling with an open space all around at the bottom.

* My wife is a PO clerk, there is a meat chicken farm up the road, they get 1,000 chicks in a single shipment.

That has to be LOUD! I know when I go to the PO to pick up my order of 10-20 chicks I can hear them from the front door!

 

[FlyWheel]

That has to be LOUD! I know when I go to the PO to pick up my order of 10-20 chicks I can hear them from the front door!

Oh heck! I clearly heard my 5 from the front door!

 

[Blooie]

And a sweeter sound after a sleepless night of worry was never heard......

 

[FlyWheel]

True dat!

 

[FlyWheel]

One week old (maybe a day or three more...) All are healthy. They still spend a lot of time under 'Mama', but not as much as before. I changed out the red bulb for a regular white one, so that may have something to do with it. They don't hop into my hand anymore, but they will still let me pick them up and hold them without struggling. I put a small pile of chick grit alongside their feed bin and I'm going to drop in a small clump of grass/dirt ball tonight; let them get a dose of the local flora.

I wish I could find a place that sells mock strawberry plants, the last batch of chicks went completely wild over those!




These are the only two that still look anything like they
did when they first arrived. The rest have changed so
much as to be unrecognizable!

 

[Blooie]

Ah, I love days when I sign on and get my "chick fix"! Keeps me from buying more of my own!! They are so doggone cute!!

 

[SunHwaKwon]

@FlyWheel

I have one that looks identical to your first one. Post regular updates so I can see if they end up looking the same. You never know with these EEs!

 

[FlyWheel]

@FlyWheel

I have one that looks identical to your first one. Post regular updates so I can see if they end up looking the same. You never know with these EEs!

I will. I was hoping against hope she would turn out all white, but it looks as if her first feathers are a mixture of cream and a light tan. The second (black) one is not an EE but a Cuckoo Marans (I hope y'all don't kick me off the thread for including her

)

 

[Blooie]

Are you kidding? Edith and Cora are invaluable members of my flock at almost 4 years old. Both Cuckoo Marans!

 

[ShrekDawg]

I thought about adding a cuckoo marans but i thought that i had read that they can be bossy or bullies? But then i thought i also read that was more of a concern with the other varieties and cuckoos were better? I don't know, maybe not. But regardless I didn't add them. But how are they, are they nice?

I also can't remember if anyone in here has Partridge Rocks? I think there are a few folks who have GLW, SLW, and Speckled Sussex?? Getting all 4 in October plus of course the free chick. Really can't wait to see what that one will be. But anyhow, I'm hoping all these aren't too bad of bullies and are people friendly? I just love my Barred Rock but wasn't sure if maybe Partridge Rocks were different since I know sometimes with the different varieties or colors they can originate from different lines or sources or be mean like how I've seen a few say Lavender Orps can be mean while Buff Orps are very friendly. Maybe it depends. Hoping they mesh well with the current flock though.

Anyhow, will probably eventually need to add even more or a rooster (or subtract ) since we can't be having 13 chickens now can we?