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

[twigcrafter]

I don't trust the pan on bricks or cans either. I took it out and they are under lights until I get more hardware cloth.

I lost 2 more of the duct tape chicks last night but the 3rd one seems totally fine. Thank goodness. It's hard to tell she was ever stuck except the tape on her wing.

 

[Isaac 0]

I guess ive been living under a rock because i haven't heard of this until now.I bought one right away once i saw this.I love all natural idea.Thanks for sharing @Blooie

 

[ShrekDawg]

Does this work with ducks?

Been thinking of possibly adding them this spring or summer after I finish the new chicken coop and let the chickens settle in a bit and this method worked so well with the chickens that I thought I could possibly use it with the ducks?

Or are ducks different? Would the ducks outgrow it faster since waterfowl grow so fast?

If it does work, just need to find the heating pad first...

 

[Beekissed]

Yes, it works with ducks. They don't fledge out as quickly as chicks and seem to need it for much longer, so make sure your making a good sized brooder for the number and size of the ducklings you'll be getting.

 

[twigcrafter]

I finally got a new one made with 1/2" hardware cloth. it's pretty sturdy by its self for bantams. babies are nice and quiet. I forgot how loud chicks where under lights.

I made it way too big for this size brooder. It takes up almost half of the 4ft container. I'm going to make a smaller one tomorrow. I will be selling all but a few of my chicks so they wont need this monster. lol.
Thanks Blooie . I know this isn't you're invention, but without you I never would have heard about this mamma brooder pad idea

 

[ShrekDawg]

Yes, it works with ducks.   They don't fledge out as quickly as chicks and seem to need it for much longer, so make sure your making a good sized brooder for the number and size of the ducklings you'll be getting. 

Thanks! Good to know it works for them too cause with everything I've read about heat lamps, I really didn't want to use them. Plus I would be worried about fires.

I'm only planning on getting 4-6 ducks but possibly up to 8 so I shouldn't need too big of a brooder but I still want them to have enough room. Don't want to run into the problems I ran into last year where the chicks outgrew the brooder. And where I didn't have the brooder ready in time...

This year if I get ducks, or even more chickens, I am planning ahead and building the brooder well in advance. Might even just start soon. I figure it will be worth it to invest in building a permanent brooder.

 

[GardenNut]

I ordered 2 XL heating pads to have along with my regular sized one! I'm getting 25 CXs the end of March, so my regular one just wouldn't do. I also hope to get some ducks, a couple of turkeys, and more hens. Hopefully not all at once!

 

[cjpeeps]

Hi guys, I've been following along to get ready for chicks this year and wanted to mention - I think the link to the sunbeam heating pad that was recommended might not be working. Perhaps they changed the website around? Does anyone know if it's still being sold online?

 

[ShrekDawg]

Just tried it and the links work for me so I'm not sure what the problem is :/

But it's the Sunbeam Xpress Heat, available on both the Sunbeam site and on Amazon

 

[Dmontgomery]

I tried that particular link in this thread too. It doesn't work anymore. Amazon still sells the same pad but you will need to look it up yourself on Amazon.