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

[lazy gardener]

One of our concerns is the cost of running electronic devices, which is why I asked about the wattage. Running something at 180 watts 24/7 isn't as cheap as running something at 50 watts 24/7.

I'm curious where and when you are brooding chicks, and how many chicks you are brooding that you only use 50W. While the heating pad uses 180 for initial start up, I assume that after it cuts back to the 150 watts, it then cycles on/off, or the wattage ramps down to match what ever setting it is set at. I know very few people who can brood chicks at 50 watts, unless it's a very few and they are brooding them in their houses. Are you brooding in your house????

 

[casportpony]

One of our concerns is the cost of running electronic devices, which is why I asked about the wattage. Running something at 180 watts 24/7 isn't as cheap as running something at 50 watts 24/7.

I'm curious where and when you are brooding chicks, and how many chicks you are brooding that you only use 50W.  While the heating pad uses 180 for initial start up, I assume that after it cuts back to the 150 watts, it then cycles on/off, or the wattage ramps down to match what ever setting it is set at.  I know very few people who can brood chicks at 50 watts, unless it's a very few and they are brooding them in their houses.  Are you brooding in your house????

I never said I was brooding with 50W, I was referring to post #8135 where a 50W heating pad was mentioned. My brooders have EcoGlo50's, but I'm not happy with them, so was thinking about trying something different this season.

 

[lazy gardener]

Quote: I never said I was brooding with 50W, I was referring to post #8135 where a 50W heating pad was mentioned.

My brooders have EcoGlo50's, but I'm not happy with them, so was thinking about trying something different this season.
Thanks for clarifying. I've looked at the EcoGlo... IMO you'll be much happier with the heating pad. Wishing you the best with the upcoming brooding season.

 

[casportpony]

 

 

One of our concerns is the cost of running electronic devices, which is why I asked about the wattage. Running something at 180 watts 24/7 isn't as cheap as running something at 50 watts 24/7.

I'm curious where and when you are brooding chicks, and how many chicks you are brooding that you only use 50W.  While the heating pad uses 180 for initial start up, I assume that after it cuts back to the 150 watts, it then cycles on/off, or the wattage ramps down to match what ever setting it is set at.  I know very few people who can brood chicks at 50 watts, unless it's a very few and they are brooding them in their houses.  Are you brooding in your house????

I never said I was brooding with 50W, I was referring to post #8135 where a 50W heating pad was mentioned. My brooders have EcoGlo50's, but I'm not happy with them, so was thinking about trying something different this season.

Thanks for clarifying.  I've looked at the EcoGlo... IMO you'll be much happier with the heating pad.  Wishing you the best with the upcoming brooding season.

I'm also looking into this fo a friend that sells chicks from his feed store. They used to use heat lamps, but their winter electric bill is really high, so they are looking for a low wattage solution to help offset that expense. I think they said that one month their electric bill was close to $1500/month, which is a lot considering they have no heat in the building.

 

[AutumnHens]

Look how well they're feathering out already!! They're not even 3 weeks old yet and they're well on their way to being tiny chickens vs chicks.

 

[casportpony]

Look how well they're feathering out already!! They're not even 3 weeks old yet and they're well on their way to being tiny chickens vs chicks.

They look great!

 

[AutumnHens]

I'm hoping to let them go outside in the run (separated from the older pullets) so that they can interact with the others through the fence. I'm worried that they'll get coci though since they aren't on medicated feed. The run itself is huge and there isn't a ton of feces in it as we just moved the run. Any thoughts?

 

[casportpony]

I'm hoping to let them go outside in the run (separated from the older pullets) so that they can interact with the others through the fence. I'm worried that they'll get coci though since they aren't on medicated feed. The run itself is huge and there isn't a ton of feces in it as we just moved the run. Any thoughts?

I wouldn't worry about it.

 

[lazy gardener]

Let them out. They should do just fine. Many of us never use medicated feed. I'm one of those people, and have never had issue with coccidiosis.

 

[AutumnHens]

Good, then they can start on Wed, my next day off.