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

[The Golden Egg5]

Okay thank you! Mine are still a little in that phase, but they are peeking up very quickly!

 

[Blooie]

Quote:
Which store is this in Billings going this week might have to check it out just don't tell the hubby

It is Shiptons Big R, but we just left there about an hour ago and this year even if I had been chick shopping, which I wasn't, I'd have walked out empty handed. Usually they are really good, but not this year!!! Two bins of EE and while I'm used to seeing them wrongly labeled as Ameracaunas, I'm NOT used to seeing the label read " Auracanas, WHICH WILL GROW OUT TO BE EASTER EGGERS!" Huh??? Read it twice and that's what it said. Is that like a Buff Orpington growing out to be a Red Sex Link? And 90% of the chicks had such severe pasty butt I'd never bring them home and try to save them. Heartless, but I'd rather expend my time and resources on the healthiest chicks possible. I was so saddened by this change there as opposed to last year, when I took that photo v

 

[dawnd13]

Thanks, the towels on top are fairly thin and the chicks do spend a lot of time during the day on top. I think they like it up there being a little higher because they have a better view since they can see outside from on top. I have also found that turning the heating pad down before I go to work and then back up at night is compensating for the cooler night temps and it keeps the cave area a more constant temp. They all seem very happy and I have a couple who think they are parrots and should be on my shoulder anytime I open the brooder. Now I am on to building a new coop!

 

[hpierce88]

Holy cow, it's been a while since I've visited this thread.....870 pages!! I can't possibly catch up on all that right now. Lol. It looks like everyone is loving the Mama Heating pad though. My eight girls are all grown up now and laying like crazy thanks to the sound advice I learned here in Backyard Chickens and on this thread!

So....as you all know about the "fever" we feel this time of year when we start to hear the little cheep cheeps in our brains, I just HAD to put two ducklings on reserve at the feed store (because I don't have room for more chickens in my coop). BUT, I figure I can make another smaller run for two ducks, and what's two more mouths to feed anyways?! I'd be exaggerating (and basically lying) if I told you my honey was thrilled with the idea, but...he loves me, so, here I am researching duck brooding. They don't come in until April 13th.

I remember reading somewhere before about using this method with ducks, but I can't remember the general consensus. Also, I plan to have a common "yard" for the chickens and ducks, but they will be in separate totally enclosed runs when they aren't free-ranging the yard under close supervision. Any suggestions or advice will be greatly appreciated. Now, I'm off to steal the heating pad from my honey's side of the bed.

Heather

 

[aart]

Holy cow, it's been a while since I've visited this thread.....870 pages!! I can't possibly catch up on all that right now. Lol. It looks like everyone is loving the Mama Heating pad though. My eight girls are all grown up now and laying like crazy thanks to the sound advice I learned here in Backyard Chickens and on this thread!

So....as you all know about the "fever" we feel this time of year when we start to hear the little cheep cheeps in our brains, I just HAD to put two ducklings on reserve at the feed store (because I don't have room for more chickens in my coop). BUT, I figure I can make another smaller run for two ducks, and what's two more mouths to feed anyways?! I'd be exaggerating (and basically lying) if I told you my honey was thrilled with the idea, but...he loves me, so, here I am researching duck brooding. They don't come in until April 13th.

I remember reading somewhere before about using this method with ducks, but I can't remember the general consensus. Also, I plan to have a common "yard" for the chickens and ducks, but they will be in separate totally enclosed runs when they aren't free-ranging the yard under close supervision. Any suggestions or advice will be greatly appreciated. Now, I'm off to steal the heating pad from my honey's side of the bed.

Heather

No wonder he's not happy.... hahaha!
Think someone has used an MHP for ducks....just adjust as necessary for size and heat level based on their behavior.

 

[casportpony]

Quote: It is Shiptons Big R, but we just left there about an hour ago and this year even if I had been chick shopping, which I wasn't, I'd have walked out empty handed. Usually they are really good, but not this year!!! Two bins of EE and while I'm used to seeing them wrongly labeled as Ameracaunas, I'm NOT used to seeing the label read " Auracanas, WHICH WILL GROW OUT TO BE EASTER EGGERS!" Huh??? Read it twice and that's what it said. Is that like a Buff Orpington growing out to be a Red Sex Link? And 90% of the chicks had such severe pasty butt I'd never bring them home and try to save them. Heartless, but I'd rather expend my time and resources on the healthiest chicks possible. I was so saddened by this change there as opposed to last year, when I took that photo v
That's sad... Did you tell management about the pasty butts?

 

[Blooie]

"There is no manager on site at the moment, ma'am. She's gone to lunch." No, she's OUT to lunch! <sigh>

 

[debid]

@hpierce88, I considered using hubby's heating pad but his has auto-shutoff. I think he was actually disappointed that I didn't take it because that would be an excuse to get a bigger/better one.

 

[debid]

"There is no manager on site at the moment, ma'am. She's gone to lunch." No, she's OUT to lunch!

I recall telling an unenthusiastic worker at a certain chain store that two were dead and the carcasses were being picked at by the others. He looked horrified and vanished into the back. I figured he'd come back with a disposal bag or something but he hadn't returned by the time I finished my shopping and left (10-15 minutes???) I think he was waiting for someone else to do it.

 

[perchie.girl]

Quote:
probably throwing up.....