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

[lpyrbby]

I left my chickies outside last night and all was well this morning. I have them out there again tonight and it's going to get to freezing by morning. Since they still haven't bothered with the MHP, I took some ol' ratty shipping blankets out there to add a windbreak for them.

 

[AllynTal]

Which one is it







Sorry, sorry. I'm back. The one I have is the king-size version of the one on the bottom left, marked $13.88 -- at least it looks like the same picture on the box. I have model 732-500. Find the model number on the bottom under the UPC symbol. For whichever one you pick: Yes, leave it on low, and yes, set it up tomorrow.

 

[ShrekDawg]

Sorry, sorry. I'm back. The one I have is the one on the bottom left, marked $13.88 -- at least it looks like the same picture on the box. I have model 732-500. Find the model number on the bottom under the UPC symbol.  Yes, leave it on low, and yes, set it up tomorrow.

It's okay! Thanks for your help, I'll set it up tomorrow and leave it on low

 

[lpyrbby]

Nothing special, but I actually caught the chicks under the heat pad a few minutes ago! Much of that was my bright idea to move the blankets and the wind is incredibly blustery out there so they really had no choice. I've since covered them back out to give them a break and all seems well in the world again. Whoops! Sorry kiddos!

So....they crushed the windbreak box to the cave by roosting on it. I'm going to have to revisit that idea

Since I covered it back up and was peeking around the corner of the blanket, they figured it was a good time to venture back out


That's my favorite up front (black, mottled chest), Boop. Probably a boy. Who knows though.

 

[Blooie]

Is that a suet cage I see hanging from the side in two of the photos. Man, I LOVE using those things in my brooder for the older chicks and in the run for the adults. They sure seem feathered enough to me not to need anything but a wind block at this point, but then I'm not there.......

 

[lpyrbby]

Is that a suet cage I see hanging from the side in two of the photos.  Man, I LOVE using those things in my brooder for the older chicks and in the run for the adults.  They sure seem feathered enough to me not to need anything but a wind block at this point, but then I'm not there.......

Yep, sure is! I really need to get to making my own flock blocks for them since they're so pricey in the store!

Now that I've seen every last chick under the MHP, I'm gonna fret a lot less about their comfort lol. The blankets will stay around the pen through tomorrow morning but the wind should calm enough for them to have a normal day tomorrow without them. And then the weather starts getting a little nicer again

They still all slept in a chick pile away from the MHP last night so you're probably right about them not needing it. I'll leave it in there for a couple more weeks, just in case. I wasn't sure about them actually realizing it was a heat source before today so that worry is gone.

 

[aart]

Great pics @lpyrbby !
How high is the heat pad set at?
Maybe just turn it down ....or off...so they can sleep under for wind protection.
Course it might just be too crowded under there....they are big!

 

[Blooie]

I stuff everything but the kitchen sink in those suet cages! In winter I stuff 'em with kale, chopped apples, homemade suet, cabbage, hang them from the sides of the run so they have to stretch a bit to reach the bottom of them, and use them for boredom busters. I don't fill them everyday of course....treats in moderation, after all.....but just often enough for them to get excited when they see it being hung. In summer I use frozen watermelon, fruits and veggies and such in them.

 

[lpyrbby]

Great pics @lpyrbby
 !
How high is the heat pad set at?
Maybe just turn it down ....or off...so they can sleep under for wind protection.
Course it might just be too crowded under there....they are big!

It's set on low (only have 3 choices for temps). I may need to slide another 2x4 in there to lift it up a bit, but honestly, after today, they are going to be enjoying some lovely weather, so I highly doubt they will want anything to do with it

 

[aart]

Quote: Height increase might help, but I was thinking more about 'floor' space...I count 7-10 birds?
They look fully feathered. Maybe remove heater and leave that outer box as a 'huddle box' to block wind and 'hold' some heat.